Nursing at Columbia State Community College

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

a smaller institution with 3,679 students in Columbia, TN.

Program Analysis

At $65,077/yr, Nursing graduates from Columbia State Community College land near the $69,474 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 69.4x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 0% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Nursing career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

The median debt load of $11,500 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.

A #567 ranking among 947 Nursing programs places Columbia State Community College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $65,077 to $66,602 over five years suggests earnings in this trade plateau relatively early in one's career.

For students considering alternatives, 4 registered apprenticeship programs align with Nursing careers — offering paid training instead of tuition costs.

81 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
76
Low End
81
Score
81
High End
Earnings $65,077/yr (-6% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (61% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (292,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$681K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
69.4x
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)
$9,808
Out-of-state: $36,208
Median Debt at Graduation
$11,500
2.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$66,602
2% 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

Explore what Nursing graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 947 programs nationwide.

Read the full Nursing career guide →

Compare & Explore

Nursing Overview

Nursing at Other Schools

Other Majors at Columbia State Community College

How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?

Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Columbia State Community College's Nursing program score?
This program scores 81/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Nursing programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
Should I worry about AI if I study Nursing at Columbia State Community College?
AI exposure of 39% is a real factor. For Columbia State Community College specifically, the gap between optimistic ($680,850) and pessimistic ($680,850) decade earnings reflects that uncertainty.
How affordable is Nursing at Columbia State Community College?
At $11,500 in median debt, Nursing graduates from Columbia State Community College carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.2x is well below the trade program average.
Are there apprenticeship options for Nursing?
Yes — 4 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Nursing career paths, including Home Health Director. Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to a program at Columbia State Community College.
Will Nursing graduates from Columbia State Community College find jobs?
With approximately 292,500 annual openings across mapped careers, Nursing offers a very large employment pool. Columbia 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 →