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

Ohio University-Lancaster's nursing program delivers solid value with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39 that's well below the danger zone, though graduates should understand they're entering a field with unusual earnings patterns. Starting salaries of $75,809 exceed both the national median ($74,888) and Ohio's state median ($70,327) by meaningful margins, ranking in the 60th percentile among Ohio nursing programs. The $29,454 debt load sits slightly above state and national medians but remains very manageable.

The concerning aspect is the 4% earnings decline from year one to year four—a pattern that reflects nursing's front-loaded compensation structure rather than program quality issues. This "early peak" phenomenon is common in nursing, where new graduates often start in higher-paying hospital roles before some transition to different specialties or work arrangements. However, even with this dip, fourth-year earnings of $72,703 still outpace Ohio's median for nursing programs.

For parents evaluating this investment, the numbers support enrollment. The debt burden is reasonable, starting salaries are competitive, and nursing offers strong job security. While earnings may plateau early compared to other fields, the program positions graduates well within Ohio's nursing market and provides a clear path to financial stability with debt that won't become overwhelming.