Est. Earnings (1yr)
$70,327
Est. from OH median (57 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$28,000
Est. from OH median (29 programs)

Analysis

Ohio nursing programs cluster around $70,000 in first-year earnings, and Ohio Christian appears to land right in that range based on similar programs across the state. With estimated debt of $28,000—nearly identical to both state and national medians—the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40 suggests graduates could realistically pay off their loans within a year of focused repayment. That's a manageable starting point for a nursing career.

The uncertainty here matters more than usual. Nursing salaries vary significantly by hospital system, shift differentials, and geography within Ohio. Some comparable programs in the state produce graduates earning over $80,000 in their first year, while others hover closer to $65,000. Where Ohio Christian's graduates actually land in that range—and which healthcare networks recruit from this campus in Circleville—could shift the value proposition considerably. The school's 40% admission rate and modest test scores don't necessarily predict nursing outcomes, but they do raise questions about clinical placement quality and NCLEX pass rates that would directly affect employability.

For parents, the key question is whether this program connects students to strong hospital partnerships in central Ohio. If graduates are securing positions at Columbus-area health systems with competitive pay, the estimated debt load is entirely reasonable. If not, that same debt becomes harder to justify when other Ohio nursing programs are producing demonstrably stronger earnings outcomes.

Where Ohio Christian University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (66 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Ohio Christian UniversityCircleville$23,700$70,327*$28,000*
Chamberlain University-OhioColumbus$19,686$83,188*$81,995$39,146*0.47
Kettering CollegeKettering$15,672$79,505*$61,158$36,192*0.46
Galen College of Nursing-CincinnatiCincinnati$16,400$76,234*$82,003$45,775*0.60
Ohio University-Eastern CampusSaint Clairsville$6,178$75,809*$72,703$29,454*0.39
Ohio University-Chillicothe CampusChillicothe$6,178$75,809*$72,703$29,454*0.39
National Median$74,888*$27,000*0.36
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing graduates

Nurse Anesthetists

Administer anesthesia, monitor patient's vital signs, and oversee patient recovery from anesthesia. May assist anesthesiologists, surgeons, other physicians, or dentists. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.

$132,050/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Nurse Midwives

Diagnose and coordinate all aspects of the birthing process, either independently or as part of a healthcare team. May provide well-woman gynecological care. Must have specialized, graduate nursing education.

$132,050/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Nurse Practitioners

Diagnose and treat acute, episodic, or chronic illness, independently or as part of a healthcare team. May focus on health promotion and disease prevention. May order, perform, or interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and x rays. May prescribe medication. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.

$132,050/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Medical and Health Services Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.

$117,960/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Registered Nurses

Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. May advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention or provide case management. Licensing or registration required.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Acute Care Nurses

Provide advanced nursing care for patients with acute conditions such as heart attacks, respiratory distress syndrome, or shock. May care for pre- and post-operative patients or perform advanced, invasive diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses

Assess, diagnose, and treat individuals and families with mental health or substance use disorders or the potential for such disorders. Apply therapeutic activities, including the prescription of medication, per state regulations, and the administration of psychotherapy.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Critical Care Nurses

Provide specialized nursing care for patients in critical or coronary care units.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Nurse Specialists

Direct nursing staff in the provision of patient care in a clinical practice setting, such as a hospital, hospice, clinic, or home. Ensure adherence to established clinical policies, protocols, regulations, and standards.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary

Demonstrate and teach patient care in classroom and clinical units to nursing students. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Ohio Christian University, approximately 34% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 57 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.