At $6,283/yr net price, Nashville State Community College graduates earn $38,519/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,519/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,283 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $25,132 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,519/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,519/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 17.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,595 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,582/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,983/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,507/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,999/yr |
| $110,001+ | $11,893/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $56,776 | $13,444 |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $46,673 | |
| Engineering Technology, General. | Associate | $43,128 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $41,937 | $14,924 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Associate | $39,369 | |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $38,289 | |
| Basic Skills and Developmental/Remedial Education. | Associate | $37,856 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $37,208 | |
| Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $35,060 | |
| Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other. | Associate | $34,704 |
The Risk Factor
17.0% of students at Nashville State Community College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Nashville State Community College offers poor overall returns with a brutal 17% graduation rate that undermines any potential financial benefits. The low net price of $6,283 per year gets wiped out when most students fail to complete their programs.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, generating $56,776 in median earnings with manageable debt of $13,444. Industrial production technologies and engineering technology also deliver solid returns above $43,000 annually. However, these high-performing programs represent a small fraction of the student body given the dismal completion rates across the institution.
The biggest financial risk is not graduating. With only one in six students finishing their programs, you face a high probability of accumulating debt and credits without earning a credential. The $9,595 median debt figure looks reasonable until you consider how many students leave with debt but no degree.
You should consider Nashville State only if you plan to enter nursing or one of the technical programs with proven earnings outcomes. The school works best for students who can attend part-time while working, given Nashville's strong job market that allows you to gain experience while studying. Avoid liberal arts or general studies programs that show weak employment outcomes.
Financial aid covers about one-third of students, but the school offers limited merit scholarships. Your best cost strategy involves completing prerequisites here before transferring to a four-year institution, but only if you maintain focus on graduation. The low completion rate suggests many students get derailed by work obligations or inadequate academic preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nashville State Community College worth the money?
Nashville State offers good value with low tuition at $6,283 per year and manageable debt averaging $9,595. However, the 17% graduation rate is concerning and significantly below national averages.
What are the highest paying programs at Nashville State Community College?
Nursing programs lead with median earnings of $56,776, followed by Industrial Production Technologies at $46,673. These technical and healthcare programs offer the strongest return on investment.
How much debt do Nashville State Community College graduates have?
Graduates who borrow typically owe $9,595, which is relatively low for higher education. The bigger concern is the low graduation rate, meaning many students may accumulate debt without completing their programs.
What is the job market like for Nashville State Community College graduates?
Graduates earn a median of $38,519 after 10 years, which is reasonable for community college outcomes. Success depends heavily on program choice, with nursing and technical fields offering much better prospects than general studies.