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

Kent State Tuscarawas presents an unusual picture for Ohio nursing programs: graduates actually earn at the state median initially ($64,169), yet the program ranks in just the 25th percentile nationally. This apparent contradiction reflects Ohio's generally lower nursing wages compared to coastal states—what's typical in Ohio falls below the national average. More concerning is the earnings decline to $59,213 by year four, a drop that warrants careful consideration given that most nursing careers show steady wage growth as experience accumulates.

The debt burden of $31,000 sits higher than both state and national medians, though the 0.48 debt-to-earnings ratio remains manageable for a healthcare field. With 60th percentile earnings within Ohio, this program performs solidly against in-state alternatives, though top Ohio programs like Herzing-Akron and Hondros consistently produce graduates earning $70,000+. The earnings decline might reflect graduates moving from higher-paying hospital roles to different settings, or could indicate limitations in career progression for this cohort.

For Ohio families seeking an associate nursing degree close to home, this program offers median state earnings with above-average debt. However, if stronger nearby alternatives exist or if your student can relocate, programs that deliver both higher starting salaries and upward earnings trajectories would provide better financial foundations for a nursing career.