Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Kent State University at Salem

Kent State University at Salem's nursing program presents a concerning financial picture that warrants serious consideration. While graduates start with respectable earnings of $66,990, the program significantly underperforms both national and state benchmarks. More troubling, earnings actually decline to $62,436 by year four—a 7% drop that's highly unusual for nursing careers, which typically show steady growth.

The program ranks in just the 13th percentile nationally and 40th percentile within Ohio, meaning most nursing programs deliver substantially better outcomes. Ohio's median nursing graduate earns $70,327, while top programs in the state like Chamberlain University produce graduates earning over $83,000. Even with relatively manageable debt of $26,250, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39 is less favorable than it initially appears given the below-average starting salaries.

For parents considering this investment, the data suggests looking elsewhere. Ohio offers 66 nursing programs, many delivering significantly better financial outcomes. The earnings decline pattern is particularly concerning, as it suggests graduates may face challenges in career advancement or job market positioning. While the debt load isn't excessive, the combination of below-average earnings and negative growth trajectory makes this program a risky investment compared to stronger alternatives within the state.