Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Southern Crescent Technical College

Southern Crescent Technical College's nursing graduates earn nearly $78,000 just one year out—that's 13% above the national median for associate nursing programs and solid performance in Georgia's competitive nursing market. At the 60th percentile statewide, this program sits comfortably in the middle tier among Georgia's 31 nursing schools, trailing top performers like Chattahoochee Tech but well ahead of many peers. The $15,500 median debt is notably lower than both state and national benchmarks, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.20—graduates can theoretically pay off their loans in about 10 weeks of gross pay.

That said, the sample size here is small (under 30 graduates), so these numbers could shift with more data. The relatively higher debt percentile (77th nationally) suggests some students may be borrowing more than typical for an associate program, though the absolute amount remains manageable given the strong starting salary. Nearly half of students receive Pell grants, indicating the program serves a predominantly working-class population successfully transitioning into a solid middle-class career.

For families prioritizing fast workforce entry with minimal debt, this represents a practical path into nursing. Just recognize you're looking at a snapshot that may not capture year-to-year variation, and your child would land in Georgia's middle pack rather than the state's very top tier.