Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Southern Crescent Technical College

Southern Crescent Technical College's practical nursing program lands squarely in the middle of Georgia's competitive landscape, with first-year earnings of $47,408 outperforming about 60% of similar programs statewide. The debt load of $12,892 is manageable—you're looking at roughly three months of earnings to cover the full cost—and notably lower than the national median. For families concerned about affordability, nearly half of students qualify for Pell grants, suggesting the program serves working-class students who need credentials that pay off quickly.

The concern here is the backward trajectory: earnings slip to $45,229 by year four, a 5% decline when most careers show growth. This isn't necessarily a dealbreaker—LPN roles are stable rather than upwardly mobile, and even the reduced earnings exceed Georgia's program median—but it does mean your child shouldn't expect significant raises over time. Compare this to top performers like Augusta Tech, where graduates start at $51,000, and the gap becomes worth considering if location flexibility exists.

For a student who needs to enter the workforce quickly with minimal debt, this program delivers on that promise. Just understand you're paying for immediate employment at a decent wage, not a launching pad for dramatic income growth. The investment makes sense if nursing is the goal and staying near Griffin is the plan.