Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at University of Akron Main Campus

University of Akron's nursing program produces graduates who earn solidly in their first year—$67,141—but something unusual happens next. By year four, earnings drop to $63,552, a 5% decline that runs counter to typical career progression. While the program sits at Ohio's median for debt ($27,000) and lands in the 40th percentile for earnings within the state, it significantly underperforms the national average by nearly $8,000. For context, Ohio nursing graduates at Chamberlain or Kettering College earn $16,000-$20,000 more annually.

The debt load itself is reasonable with a 0.40 ratio to first-year earnings, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off loans in under six months if they dedicated 40% of gross income. However, the backward earnings trajectory raises questions about whether graduates are finding the right opportunities or staying in nursing long-term. This pattern is unusual for a field where experience typically commands higher wages.

If your child is committed to nursing and plans to stay in Northeast Ohio, this program offers an affordable entry point with manageable debt. However, the earnings gap—both nationally and compared to stronger Ohio programs—suggests you should investigate placement outcomes and alumni career paths carefully. Better-performing programs exist within the state at similar debt levels.