Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 24.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $41,150
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $7,550
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 19:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 49.3%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $80/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire Protection. | Associate | $63,005 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $45,956 | $8,750 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $44,595 | $9,973 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $36,674 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $36,560 | $4,750 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $29,685 | $9,000 |
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $29,322 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $28,236 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $25,542 | $6,000 |
Outcomes Overview
Volunteer State graduates earn a median of $41,150 ten years after leaving, while carrying typical debt of just $7,550. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 18% sits well below the concerning 20% threshold financial advisors recommend. Monthly loan payments of $80 consume only 2.3% of median income, making repayment manageable for most graduates. The college's strong ties to Nashville's healthcare and manufacturing sectors help explain the solid 93.7% employment rate. Many graduates transfer to four-year universities or enter middle-skill careers in nursing, automotive technology, and business. With low debt loads and practical job training, Vol State delivers a strong return on investment for students seeking affordable career preparation.