Nursing at Chattanooga State Community College

Chattanooga, TN · Public · Associate Degree · Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

with a smaller student body of 4,689 in Chattanooga, TN.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $64,950/yr, roughly in line with the $69,474 national median for Nursing. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

The 78.7x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 39% task exposure — and the 5% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Nursing graduates.

With first-year pay of $64,950 far exceeding the $13,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #505 out of 947 programs, Chattanooga State Community College's financial outcomes for Nursing trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth is modest: $64,950 to $70,876 over five years (9% gain). This trade may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

Nursing connects to 4 apprenticeship options. The earn-while-you-learn model can be a strong alternative or complement to a certificate program.

82 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
77
Low End
82
Score
83
High End
Earnings $64,950/yr (-7% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (61% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (292,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$718K
2.2% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
78.9x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
6 of 6
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$9,100
Out-of-state: $35,500
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,500
2.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$70,876
9% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Nursing graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Nurse anesthetists $223,210 +8.6% 83%
Nurse practitioners $129,210 +40.1% 52%
Nurse midwives $128,790 +11.1% 61%
Nurse anesthetists
$223,210
+8.6% growth 83% AI-proof
Nurse practitioners
$129,210
+40.1% growth 52% AI-proof
Nurse midwives
$128,790
+11.1% growth 61% AI-proof

View all 6 career paths with full salary data →

Nursing Career Guide

From day-one roles to senior positions, Nursing careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering healthcare.

Read the full Nursing career guide →

Compare & Explore

Nursing Overview

Nursing at Other Schools

Other Majors at Chattanooga State Community College

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Chattanooga State Community College's Nursing program score?
This program scores 82/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Nursing programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
What's the AI risk for Nursing graduates from Chattanooga State Community College?
Our scenarios model 39% of Nursing tasks as AI-exposed. That doesn't mean job loss — it means role evolution. Chattanooga State Community College's 82/100 score weights this risk into the overall assessment.
How affordable is Nursing at Chattanooga State Community College?
At $13,500 in median debt, Nursing graduates from Chattanooga State Community College carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.2x is well below the trade program average.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Nursing graduates?
Beyond Chattanooga State Community College's classroom route, 4 registered apprenticeships map to Nursing careers — including Home Health Director. Apprenticeships trade shorter program length for longer on-the-job training, typically 2-4 years.
What's the job market like for Nursing from Chattanooga State Community College?
With approximately 292,500 annual openings across mapped careers, Nursing offers a very large employment pool. Chattanooga State Community College graduates enter a market shaped by an aging population and expanding healthcare access.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →