Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus

Ohio University-Chillicothe's nursing program delivers solid early career outcomes but shows concerning earnings patterns that warrant careful consideration. Graduates earn $75,809 in their first year—notably above both the national median ($74,888) and Ohio's median ($70,327), ranking in the 60th percentile among Ohio nursing programs. With median debt of $29,454 and a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39, the financial burden is manageable compared to many programs.

However, the program's "early peak" pattern is troubling: earnings actually decline to $72,703 by year four, representing a 4% drop when most careers show growth. This suggests graduates may be hitting a ceiling or facing market saturation issues that limit advancement opportunities. While the initial salary is competitive, the lack of earnings progression could impact long-term financial prospects significantly.

The bottom line: this program offers a reasonable entry point into nursing with below-average debt and above-average starting pay, but the earnings decline over time is a red flag. For families prioritizing immediate employment with manageable debt, it's a viable option. However, if long-term earning potential is a priority, consider the top-performing Ohio programs like Chamberlain University-Ohio ($83,188) or investigate whether this earnings pattern reflects broader regional market limitations that could affect career growth.