Nursing at Southern Adventist University

Collegedale, TN · Private nonprofit · Associate Degree · Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

Southern Adventist University's 67% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, a smaller institution with 2,673 students in Collegedale, TN.

Program Analysis

Southern Adventist University's Nursing program produces graduates earning $61,225/yr — within striking distance of the $69,474 national average for this trade.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 14.4x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Nursing programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Nursing's career paths, with 39% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 14% gap from the optimistic case.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $19,500 in median debt clears fast against $61,225 in annual earnings.

Ranked #921 of 947 Nursing programs, Southern Adventist University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $72,066 are relatively flat compared to the $61,225 starting salary — typical of trades with stable but capped salary bands.

There are 4 registered apprenticeship pathways mapped to Nursing, including Home Health Director (median $117,960/yr). Apprenticeships offer an alternative route that combines paid work with structured training.

66 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
60
Low End
66
Score
67
High End
Earnings $61,225/yr (-12% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (61% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (292,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$741K
4.2% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
14.5x
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
$51,180
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,500
3.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$72,066
18% 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

Nursing opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.

Read the full Nursing career guide →

Compare & Explore

Nursing Overview

Nursing at Other Schools

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 66/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Nursing at Southern Adventist University?
This program scores 66/100 — 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 Southern Adventist University?
Our scenarios model 39% of Nursing tasks as AI-exposed. That doesn't mean job loss — it means role evolution. Southern Adventist University's 66/100 score weights this risk into the overall assessment.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Nursing program at Southern Adventist University?
Beyond Southern Adventist University'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.
Will Nursing graduates from Southern Adventist University find jobs?
With approximately 292,500 annual openings across mapped careers, Nursing offers a very large employment pool. Southern Adventist University graduates enter a market shaped by an aging population and expanding healthcare access.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →