Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Four County Career Center

Similar practical nursing programs in Ohio typically produce first-year earnings around $43,200 with median debt of roughly $14,800—numbers that suggest a manageable entry point into healthcare. The 0.34 debt-to-earnings ratio falls comfortably within the range financial advisors recommend for career-focused certificates, meaning your child could realistically pay down this debt within a few years if they work full-time in the field.

What complicates the picture: Ohio has 77 schools offering this credential, and the top performers report significantly higher outcomes. Cincinnati State and several Fortis locations show first-year earnings approaching $50,000—about $7,000 more than what comparable programs in the state typically produce. That gap matters when you're carrying debt, even moderate amounts. The extremely low Pell grant percentage (1%) also raises questions about whether this program serves primarily students with family support rather than those financing their education independently.

The practical nursing credential itself opens doors to steady work, and these estimated debt levels won't trap your child in financial hardship. But before committing, look at what specific employers in your area pay LPNs and whether Four County's graduates connect well with local healthcare systems. The difference between a $43,000 starting salary and a $50,000 one could mean paying off that certificate in two years versus four—and that's worth investigating beyond what statewide estimates can tell you.