Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Herzing University-Akron

This Herzing University-Akron nursing program delivers strong initial earnings but comes with a significant debt burden that demands careful consideration. Graduates earn $75,774 in their first year—above both the national median ($74,888) and Ohio state median ($70,327), ranking in the 60th percentile among Ohio nursing programs. However, the $43,985 median debt is substantially higher than typical nursing programs, sitting 63% above the national and state median of $27,000.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58 is manageable for nursing, where starting salaries are relatively strong, but the concerning trend is that earnings actually decline to $70,560 by year four—a 7% drop that's unusual for healthcare fields. This "early peak" pattern suggests graduates may be hitting a ceiling or facing market saturation issues. While the program ranks in the middle tier among Ohio schools, top performers like Chamberlain ($83,188) and Kettering College ($79,505) offer notably higher long-term earning potential.

The high debt burden combined with declining earnings creates a less favorable financial trajectory than many alternatives. Given that 78% of students receive Pell grants, this debt load could be particularly challenging for the typical student population. Consider Ohio's public nursing programs or higher-ranked private options that offer better debt-to-earnings profiles and stronger earnings growth potential.