Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Hocking College

Nursing assistant programs in Ohio typically position graduates to earn around $43,000 in their first year, and Hocking College's estimated outcomes align with that state median. The $19,038 in debt sits above both the state median ($16,364) and the national median ($14,803) for this credential, though it remains manageable at a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44—meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in roughly five months of gross income.

The real question is whether this debt load makes sense when comparable Ohio programs appear to produce similar earnings with less borrowing. Cincinnati State, for instance, reports first-year earnings of $53,908, suggesting that program choice within the state matters significantly. While we're working with estimates for Hocking based on peer programs rather than actual graduate outcomes, the debt figure is real and measurable. That nearly $19,000 represents a meaningful premium over what students at similar programs typically borrow.

For a family considering this path, the practical nursing credential generally offers stable employment prospects, but the financing here deserves scrutiny. If Hocking is the most accessible option geographically or the best fit for your student, the debt burden isn't catastrophic. But if other Ohio nursing programs are viable alternatives—particularly those with lower reported debt or higher earnings—comparing the actual costs before enrollment would be prudent, especially given that 46% of Hocking students rely on Pell grants.