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

This nursing program shows concerning early-career earnings that fall well below both national and state expectations. With first-year earnings of $66,990, graduates earn about $8,000 less than the national median ($74,888) and $3,300 less than Ohio's median ($70,327). More troubling, earnings actually decline to $62,436 by year four—a 7% drop that suggests graduates may struggle with career progression or are leaving higher-paying positions.

The debt picture is reasonable at $26,250, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39, but this advantage is undermined by the below-average earning potential. Among Ohio's 66 nursing programs, this ranks in just the 40th percentile, meaning most in-state alternatives offer better outcomes. Top Ohio programs like Chamberlain and Kettering produce graduates earning $15,000+ more annually.

While nursing remains a stable career path, this particular program appears to underperform relative to readily available alternatives within Ohio. Given that nursing programs generally lead to similar licensure and job opportunities, the lower earnings suggest either weaker clinical preparation, limited hospital partnerships, or geographic constraints. Parents should strongly consider higher-ranked Ohio nursing programs that demonstrate better graduate outcomes, especially since in-state tuition costs are likely comparable.