Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Paul D Camp Community College

Nursing certificates typically carry relatively modest debt, and the estimated $10,666 here—drawn from similar Virginia community college nursing programs—falls well below the national median of $23,562 for these credentials. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.16, this suggests graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in under two months if they devoted their entire first-year salary to it, though that's obviously not realistic. The more practical takeaway: this level of borrowing shouldn't create financial strain for someone entering the nursing field.

The earnings estimate of $66,398 comes from the national median, which may or may not reflect what Paul D Camp graduates actually experience. Virginia's nursing market is notably diverse—the state median sits at $53,578, with specific programs ranging from $48,000 to nearly $59,000 in first-year earnings. Location within Virginia matters tremendously for nursing salaries, and Franklin's proximity to different healthcare markets could push outcomes in either direction.

For parents weighing this investment, the estimated numbers suggest a favorable setup: low debt combined with entry to a field with strong earning potential. The uncertainty lies in where this specific program lands within Virginia's range. If your student plans to work locally, research typical RN starting salaries in the Franklin/Southampton County area. That local labor market—more than state or national averages—will determine whether this certificate delivers the $66,000 earnings suggested by peer programs or something closer to Virginia's lower median.