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

Ohio University-Zanesville's nursing program sits at an interesting crossroads: it performs solidly among Ohio's 54 nursing programs (60th percentile), essentially matching the state median of $64,169, yet graduates see their earnings drop 12% by year four—from $64,452 down to $56,995. This decline is unusual in nursing, where most programs see stable or growing wages as nurses gain experience and certifications.

The debt load of $24,101 is actually below Ohio's median for nursing programs ($26,952), and the first-year debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37 looks manageable. However, that ratio becomes less favorable as earnings slide in subsequent years, which could create unexpected financial pressure for graduates who budgeted based on their starting salary. It's worth investigating why earnings decline—whether graduates are moving to part-time work, leaving the field, or facing local market constraints.

For Ohio families seeking an affordable entry into nursing, this program delivers reasonable debt and middle-of-the-pack outcomes among state options. But when compared to nearby programs like Sinclair Community College ($69,403) or Mercy College of Ohio ($69,485) with stronger and more stable earnings, parents should consider whether the earnings gap—potentially $50,000+ over four years—justifies choosing OU-Zanesville based on location or other factors. The program works financially, but better value exists within Ohio.