Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Tennessee State University

Tennessee State University's nursing program operates at the state median based on comparable Tennessee programs, with estimated first-year earnings around $65,160—though the school's actual outcomes aren't publicly available due to small graduate cohorts. That puts TSU toward the middle of the pack in a state where community colleges like Dyersburg State and Southwest Tennessee consistently produce higher initial returns, with graduates earning $9,000-$11,000 more in their first year.

The estimated debt picture looks manageable at $13,500, translating to a 0.21 debt-to-earnings ratio that's well below the concerning threshold. Similar Tennessee programs typically carry around $16,400 in debt, so this figure suggests a lighter financial burden than many peers. By year four, earnings climb to nearly $69,000, essentially matching the national median and demonstrating that the initial lag doesn't persist. The program serves a majority Pell-eligible student body with minimal selectivity, making nursing credentials accessible to students who might not have other pathways into the profession.

For parents focused on maximizing immediate earning potential, Tennessee's community college nursing programs show stronger early outcomes. But if your child is already committed to TSU or values the four-year university environment, the estimated debt load is reasonable enough that the slightly lower initial earnings shouldn't derail long-term financial stability. Just recognize you're working with statewide averages here, not TSU's verified track record.