Health Professions at Kettering College

Kettering College graduates earn $70,890 in their first year—nearly double the national median for health professions bachelor's programs and significantly above Ohio's median of $48,416. This places the program in the 95th percentile nationally and 80th percentile statewide, outperforming even Youngstown State's top-ranked Ohio program. The debt load of $37,613, while above national and state medians, translates to a highly manageable 0.53 debt-to-earnings ratio—meaning graduates owe roughly half their first-year salary.

The concerning pattern emerges by year four, when median earnings drop to $58,053, an 18% decline from year one. This suggests graduates may be entering positions with strong starting salaries but limited advancement or experiencing job transitions. Even with this decline, fourth-year earnings remain competitive with other Ohio programs' first-year outcomes, and the initial earning power provides breathing room to handle debt payments.

For families weighing the above-average tuition costs, the calculation comes down to whether that exceptional first-year earning advantage justifies the premium. The program clearly delivers strong immediate employment outcomes that dwarf most competitors, giving graduates a significant head start on debt repayment. However, you'll want to understand what drives that earnings drop—whether it's a field-specific pattern, career changes, or reduced hours—before committing to the higher price tag.