Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Columbus State Community College

With comparable nursing programs in Ohio producing first-year earnings around $64,000, an estimated debt load of $24,000 represents a reasonable starting point—though the state's wide range of outcomes should make families look closely at what sets programs apart. Several Ohio nursing schools place graduates in positions earning $69,000 to $73,000 in their first year, suggesting that program quality and clinical connections matter significantly in this field.

The estimated debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37 falls comfortably below the concerning threshold of 1.0, meaning graduates would likely owe less than four months' salary. That's manageable for most nursing positions, which typically offer stable employment and clear advancement paths. However, the $4,000 gap between this program's estimated earnings and the national median of $68,400 adds up to roughly $16,000 in forgone income over four years—worth considering given that community colleges often pride themselves on value.

Since these figures are estimated from peer programs rather than Columbus State's actual outcomes, ask the school directly about their NCLEX pass rates, clinical placement sites, and where recent graduates are working. Those concrete details will tell you more about whether this program connects students to the higher-paying positions that other Ohio nursing programs are clearly accessing.