Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Southern State Community College

Southern State Community College's nursing program graduates start strong at $62,085 but see earnings dip to $59,256 by year four—an unusual trajectory in a field known for steady salary progression. While the program sits at the 40th percentile among Ohio nursing programs, it's significantly below both the state median ($64,169) and national median ($68,409). Compare this to nearby Sinclair Community College, where graduates earn $69,403, or Mercy College of Ohio at $69,485—that's $10,000 more annually four years out.

The upside here is manageable debt. At $18,490, students borrow about $8,500 less than the typical Ohio nursing graduate, keeping the debt-to-earnings ratio reasonable at 0.30. This lower debt load matters: even with below-average earnings, graduates can comfortably manage their loans. The 21% Pell grant rate suggests the school serves a less affluent population, making that debt advantage more meaningful.

For a parent, this is a functional but not optimal path to nursing licensure. Your child will likely find work—nursing jobs are plentiful—but they'll probably earn less than peers from other Ohio community colleges while working similar roles. If Southern State is substantially cheaper or more convenient, the lower debt might offset weaker earnings. But if other community colleges are accessible, programs like Sinclair or Mercy College offer considerably better earning potential for similar upfront costs.