Analysis
Health professions programs in Ohio span a remarkably wide range—from Kettering College grads earning over $70,000 to others starting below $33,000—and understanding where University of Akron falls requires caution since both earnings and debt figures here are estimates drawn from comparable programs statewide. Based on those peer programs, first-year earnings around $48,400 would land right at Ohio's median for this degree, competitive with larger programs like Xavier but well behind specialized institutions like Kettering. The estimated debt of $26,263 creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.54, suggesting graduates could reasonably manage payments on a standard timeline.
The challenge with health professions bachelor's programs is that the category itself is broad—encompassing everything from health administration to clinical support roles—and outcomes depend heavily on which specific career path students pursue. What appears to be happening here is a middle-ground result: not the premium outcomes of nursing or specialized allied health degrees, but better than entry-level administrative positions. The gap between top and bottom programs in Ohio (more than $38,000 in first-year earnings) tells you that the specialization matters more than the institution.
For anxious parents, this translates to homework: find out exactly which health professions tracks this program offers and what the actual job placement looks like. The estimated numbers suggest reasonable value if your child is headed toward a licensed role with clear career progression, but you need school-specific data on which positions graduates actually secure before committing.
Where University of Akron Main Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health professions bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Health Professions bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (10 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $12,799 | $48,416* | — | $26,263* | — | |
| $15,672 | $70,890* | $58,053 | $37,613* | 0.53 | |
| $10,791 | $56,793* | $57,659 | $29,750* | 0.52 | |
| $48,125 | $48,416* | $51,232 | $27,000* | 0.56 | |
| $14,081 | $34,040* | $46,675 | $26,000* | 0.76 | |
| $13,570 | $32,621* | $54,955 | $26,263* | 0.81 | |
| National Median | — | $38,492* | — | $26,000* | 0.68 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of Akron Main Campus, approximately 29% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 5 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.