Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 32.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $34,553
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $6,827
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 20:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 39.0%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $72/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Skills and Developmental/Remedial Education. | Certificate | $64,706 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $51,145 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $46,673 | |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $38,018 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $36,848 | |
| Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other. | Associate | $33,077 | |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $32,925 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $25,967 | |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Associate | $24,808 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $21,052 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $19,298 | $3,500 |
Outcomes Overview
Northeast State graduates enter the workforce with manageable debt loads, owing a median of $6,827 upon completion. Monthly loan payments of $72 represent just 2.1% of graduates' median monthly income, well below the recommended 10% threshold for student debt. The college's 92.4% employment rate reflects strong regional demand for skilled workers in healthcare, manufacturing, and technical fields that dominate East Tennessee's economy. Graduates earn $34,553 ten years after enrollment, creating a debt-to-income ratio of 0.20. This figure compares favorably to national community college averages. The combination of low debt, high employment rates, and decent regional wages creates a strong return on investment for students seeking practical career training.