Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Mercy College of Ohio

Mercy College of Ohio's nursing program hits an unusual pattern that deserves close attention: graduates earn $73,010 in their first year but see that figure drop to $66,995 by year four. While that initial salary beats Ohio's median for nursing programs ($70,327), placing this school in the 60th percentile statewide, the downward trajectory raises questions about career progression or whether graduates struggle to advance beyond entry-level positions.

The debt picture offers some reassurance—at $33,250, it's higher than Ohio's typical nursing graduate ($27,000) but still manageable with a first-year debt ratio of 0.46. That means graduates could theoretically pay off loans with less than six months' salary. The real concern is what happens after that strong start. Falling behind the national median by year four, when most nursing programs show stable or growing earnings, suggests graduates may face local market constraints or limited opportunities for specialized roles that typically drive salary growth.

For families weighing this program, the key question is whether your child plans to stay in the Toledo area long-term. If they're willing to relocate or pursue advanced positions, that initial $73,000 provides a solid foundation—but they'll need to be proactive about career development to reverse the earnings decline other graduates have experienced.