Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Ashland University

Ashland University's nursing program shows solid debt management but an unusual earnings trajectory that deserves attention. Graduates leave with $30,250 in debt—slightly above state and national medians—but earn $71,445 in their first year, creating a manageable 0.42 debt-to-earnings ratio. The more puzzling pattern emerges over time: by year four, median earnings drop to $63,283, an 11% decline that runs counter to typical nursing career trajectories.

Within Ohio, this program performs near the middle of the pack, landing at the 60th percentile among 66 nursing programs. While it trails top performers like Chamberlain ($83,188) and Kettering College ($79,505) by $10,000-$12,000, it roughly matches the state median. Nationally, however, Ashland falls to the 31st percentile—below the $74,888 median—suggesting that Ohio nurses generally earn less than their counterparts in other states.

The earnings decline warrants investigation: it could reflect graduates moving from higher-paid hospital positions to clinic work, part-time schedules, or geographic relocation. For a family prioritizing financial stability, this pattern introduces uncertainty. If your child plans to stay in Ohio and values Ashland's community, the manageable debt load offers flexibility. But if maximizing nursing income is the priority, several Ohio programs deliver stronger long-term earning potential without significantly higher debt burdens.