Health Professions at Volunteer State Community College

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44 suggests manageable borrowing, but the underlying figures here—drawn from comparable health professions programs nationwide—tell only part of the story. Similar programs typically produce first-year earnings around $35,200, which would align this associate degree with national norms but position it above Tennessee's median of $31,200. The estimated $15,440 in debt sits well below both national and state averages for this credential, which is encouraging if it reflects Volunteer State's actual cost structure.

The challenge is that "health professions" covers enormous ground—from medical assistants earning $30,000 to respiratory therapists clearing $50,000. Without knowing which specific track this program emphasizes, parents face real uncertainty. Peer programs in Tennessee range from $26,200 to $36,200 in first-year earnings, a spread that fundamentally changes the return on investment. If this program prepares students for higher-earning clinical roles rather than entry-level support positions, the debt load becomes very reasonable. If not, those same numbers look less compelling.

Before committing, verify which licensures or certifications this program targets and what those roles actually pay in middle Tennessee's healthcare market. The estimated figures suggest a workable investment, but the wide variation among Tennessee's health professions programs means you need specifics about career outcomes, not just cost and credential type.