Analysis
Based on comparable programs nationally, this health professions degree appears positioned around the middle of the pack, with estimated first-year earnings of $35,232 and debt near $15,440. What's encouraging is that four-year earnings reach $40,804—actual reported data showing meaningful growth beyond the initial estimate. The estimated debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44 suggests manageable repayment, though this figure relies on how typical this program's outcomes are relative to national peers.
Tennessee's health professions programs show considerable variation, with median state earnings at $31,211 lagging the national benchmark. If Northeast State's graduates track closer to comparable schools like Chattanooga State ($36,180), the investment looks solid. However, if outcomes lean toward the lower end seen at other Tennessee programs, the picture becomes less clear. The estimated debt figure of $15,440 is notably lower than Tennessee's typical $22,513, which would provide important cushion if earnings disappoint.
For parents evaluating this program, the central question is whether Northeast State's specific outcomes align with these national estimates or drift toward Tennessee's weaker state benchmarks. The four-year earnings suggest staying power in the field, and the debt load appears conservative enough to accommodate some earnings uncertainty. This looks like reasonable value if your student has a clear healthcare career path in mind, but recognize you're working with educated guesses rather than this school's actual graduate outcomes.
Where Northeast State Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health professions associates's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast State Community College | — | $40,804 | — |
| American Public University System | $41,350 | $51,205 | +24% |
| Monroe Community College | $35,765 | $44,497 | +24% |
| Chattanooga State Community College | $36,180 | $39,058 | +8% |
| Ozarks Technical Community College | $26,962 | $38,517 | +43% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Tennessee
Health Professions associates's programs at peer institutions in Tennessee (11 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $4,542 | $35,232* | $40,804 | $15,440* | — | |
| $4,550 | $36,180* | $39,058 | $22,513* | 0.62 | |
| $4,516 | $26,242* | — | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $35,232* | — | $17,930* | 0.51 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Northeast State Community College, approximately 38% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 9 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.