Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Franciscan University of Steubenville

Franciscan University's nursing program lands its graduates in the bottom third nationally for starting salaries, earning about $8,400 less than the typical new nursing graduate. Within Ohio's competitive nursing landscape, it ranks at the 40th percentile—below the state median of $70,327 and significantly trailing regional competitors like Chamberlain ($83,188) and Kettering College ($79,505). The modest debt load of $27,000 is on par with national and state averages, but paired with below-average earnings, it creates a longer payback timeline than most nursing programs offer.

More concerning is the trajectory: earnings actually dip slightly by year four, suggesting graduates aren't seeing the wage growth typical in nursing careers. This stagnation might reflect limited opportunities for advancement in Steubenville's local healthcare market or the program's preparation for specialized roles that command higher salaries. For a field where starting salaries typically climb as nurses gain certifications and move into specialized units, flat earnings signal a potential disconnect between program outcomes and career progression.

For families banking on nursing's reliable return on investment, this program underdelivers compared to what's available elsewhere in Ohio. Unless location or the university's specific mission drives the decision, prospective students should explore why this program's graduates earn 15% less than those from comparable Ohio schools—and whether that gap is worth closing through geographic mobility after graduation.