Analysis
Pre-med and pre-health programs present a unique calculation: they're designed as stepping stones to graduate school, not standalone careers. Based on comparable programs in Ohio, first-year earnings around $35,000 reflect graduates working entry-level healthcare jobs while preparing for their next degree—positions like medical assistants, lab technicians, or health coordinators. With estimated debt of $25,185, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.72 sits in manageable territory, though it's worth remembering this is just the first chapter of a longer educational journey.
The real question is what happens next. Similar programs across Ohio show considerable variation—some Kent State campuses report graduates earning $42,000, while others cluster around the state median. This spread suggests outcomes depend heavily on whether graduates secure better-paying healthcare positions or remain in temporary roles while studying for the MCAT or GRE. For students planning immediate entry to medical, dental, or PA school, these earnings matter less than building a competitive application. For those who need to work a few years before applying—or who discover graduate school isn't their path—the financial picture becomes more constraining.
If your student is committed to advanced healthcare training and Ursuline provides strong advising and graduate school placement, this debt level won't derail their trajectory. But if there's uncertainty about that next step, understand they'd be starting with modest earnings and existing debt before potentially taking on six-figure graduate school loans.
Where Ursuline College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health/medical preparatory programs bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (20 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Ursuline CollegePepper Pike | $37,860 | $34,923* | — | $25,185* | — |
 Kent State University at AshtabulaAshtabula | $7,272 | $41,924* | $48,056 | $27,000* | 0.64 |
| Kent State University at KentKent | $12,846 | $41,924* | $48,056 | $27,000* | 0.64 |
 Ohio State University-Main CampusColumbus | $12,859 | $39,642* | $52,034 | $22,334* | 0.56 |
 Miami University-HamiltonHamilton | $7,278 | $34,923* | — | —* | — |
| Miami University-OxfordOxford | $17,809 | $34,923* | — | $23,562* | 0.67 |
| National Median | — | $33,642* | — | $25,000* | 0.74 |
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 Ursuline College, approximately 39% 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 8 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.