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

Ohio University-Southern Campus delivers solid nursing outcomes that outperform state averages, making it a reasonable choice for Ohio families seeking an affordable path into nursing. Graduates earn $75,809 in their first year—nearly $5,500 above the Ohio median for nursing programs and ranking in the 60th percentile statewide. The program also keeps debt manageable at $29,454, creating a favorable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39 that's well below problematic levels.

However, there's a concerning pattern in the earnings trajectory. While most careers show growth over time, graduates here actually see their earnings decline by 4% from year one to year four ($75,809 dropping to $72,703). This "early peak" pattern suggests the strong starting salary may not lead to typical career advancement, which could impact long-term earning potential compared to programs where nurses see steady growth.

Despite this earnings plateau, the program's combination of above-average starting pay and reasonable debt makes it financially viable. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates gives confidence in these numbers. For families prioritizing immediate earning potential and manageable debt over long-term growth, this represents a solid middle-tier option among Ohio's 66 nursing programs, though top performers like Chamberlain University-Ohio do offer significantly higher earning potential.