Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Hohenwald

This program's standout feature is its remarkably low debt load—at $6,500, it ranks in the 95th percentile nationally, meaning 95% of comparable nursing programs saddle students with more debt. That's less than half Tennessee's state median of $9,500 and more than $8,000 below the national median. The immediate payoff looks reasonable: first-year earnings of $42,694 beat Tennessee's state median by about $3,200, placing this program in the 60th percentile statewide. For a credential requiring minimal investment, that's solid ground to stand on.

The concern is what happens next. Earnings drop to $38,777 by year four—a 9% decline that leaves graduates below both state and national medians. This pattern suggests limited career advancement within this certification level, though the minimal debt means graduates aren't trapped by monthly payments. It's worth noting that top-performing Tennessee programs like TCAT Nashville see graduates earning $51,000+, indicating that location and specific program quality create meaningful income differences within the state.

For families prioritizing low financial risk and quick workforce entry, this program delivers—especially for students who might use it as a stepping stone to an RN degree. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.15 is excellent. Just understand you're buying affordability and access, not peak earning potential within Tennessee's nursing landscape.