Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Hondros College of Nursing
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Hondros College's practical nursing program delivers solid financial value with exceptionally manageable debt, making it a smart choice for students seeking quick entry into healthcare. Graduates earn $46,269 in their first year—well above both the national median ($44,134) and Ohio median ($43,207) for similar programs. More importantly, the program keeps debt remarkably low at $22,120, ranking in the 5th percentile nationally for debt burden. This creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.48, meaning graduates can realistically pay off their loans within two years of steady work.
The program performs consistently in the middle-upper tier, ranking in the 60th percentile among Ohio's 77 practical nursing programs. While top performers like Cincinnati State ($53,908) offer higher earnings, the trade-off comes with typically higher debt loads. Hondros strikes an appealing balance for cost-conscious families, especially considering 70% of students receive Pell grants, indicating the program successfully serves working-class students.
The minimal earnings growth (+2% over four years) reflects the nature of practical nursing as an "early peak" career, where you reach earning potential quickly rather than seeing dramatic salary increases. For a family prioritizing low debt and immediate job prospects in a stable healthcare field, this program offers excellent return on investment with graduates entering the workforce debt-light and employable.
Where Hondros College of Nursing Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants certificate's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Hondros College of Nursing graduates compare to all programs nationally
Hondros College of Nursing graduates earn $46k, placing them in the 59th percentile of all practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants certificate programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants certificate's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (77 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hondros College of Nursing | $46,269 | $47,284 | $22,120 | 0.48 |
| Cincinnati State Technical and Community College | $53,908 | $40,248 | $21,438 | 0.40 |
| Fortis College-Cincinnati | $49,956 | $47,995 | $28,378 | 0.57 |
| Fortis College-Columbus | $49,956 | $47,995 | $28,378 | 0.57 |
| Cuyahoga Community College District | $48,692 | $44,617 | $19,750 | 0.41 |
| Central Ohio Technical College | $48,483 | $46,155 | $14,281 | 0.29 |
| National Median | $44,134 | — | $14,803 | 0.34 |
Other Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants Programs in Ohio
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Ohio schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati State Technical and Community College Cincinnati | $5,400 | $53,908 | $21,438 |
| Fortis College-Cincinnati Cincinnati | $14,283 | $49,956 | $28,378 |
| Fortis College-Columbus Westerville | $14,148 | $49,956 | $28,378 |
| Cuyahoga Community College District Cleveland | $3,736 | $48,692 | $19,750 |
| Central Ohio Technical College Newark | $5,136 | $48,483 | $14,281 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Hondros College of Nursing, approximately 70% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 668 graduates with reported earnings and 1034 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.