Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at South College

South College's nursing program carries the highest debt burden of any nursing school in Tennessee while delivering below-average results. At $42,916, graduates leave with 60% more debt than the state median ($26,872), yet earn less than typical Tennessee nursing graduates. The first-year salary of $65,109 sounds reasonable until you realize it places this program in just the 40th percentile statewide—meaning six out of ten Tennessee nursing programs produce better outcomes with far less debt.

The backward earnings trajectory raises real concerns. While most nursing careers see steady salary growth, South College graduates actually earn $5,700 less four years out than in their first year. This isn't a data fluke—the sample size is robust. Compare this to Baptist Health Sciences University or University of Memphis, where graduates start with similar or higher earnings but carry roughly $20,000 less debt. That difference in debt service matters significantly over the first decade of repayment.

For families weighing in-state nursing options, this program represents one of the weaker value propositions in Tennessee. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.66 is manageable but only because nursing generally pays well—not because this program offers a competitive advantage. With 32 nursing programs across Tennessee, most offering better earnings potential at lower cost, parents should examine alternatives carefully before committing to South College's premium price tag.