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

The University of Cincinnati's nursing program presents a concerning earnings trajectory that sets it apart from typical nursing programs. While graduates start with solid first-year earnings of $71,105—above the Ohio state median of $70,327 and ranking in the 60th percentile statewide—their earnings actually decline by 9% over four years to $64,699. This is highly unusual for nursing, where career progression typically leads to salary growth.

The debt burden is manageable at $27,000, creating a reasonable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38. However, the declining earnings pattern is troubling when compared to Ohio's top nursing programs, where graduates at schools like Chamberlain ($83,188) and Kettering College ($79,505) earn significantly more. Even more concerning, UC's nursing graduates rank only in the 30th percentile nationally, despite the program's solid in-state ranking.

This earnings decline could reflect local market saturation in Cincinnati or graduates moving into lower-paying nursing roles over time. Given nursing's strong job market and typically stable career trajectory, this pattern is a red flag. Unless your child has compelling reasons to attend UC specifically, Ohio offers several nursing programs with better long-term earning potential and more typical upward salary progression.