Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Xavier University

Xavier University's nursing program presents a troubling pattern: graduates earn $70,473 in their first year but see their income drop to $62,587 by year four—an 11% decline when most careers should be advancing. While the program performs reasonably well within Ohio (60th percentile), it significantly underperforms nationally, ranking in just the 26th percentile among nursing programs nationwide.

The $27,000 debt load is exactly average nationally and for Ohio, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38. However, the earnings trajectory raises questions about career advancement opportunities for Xavier nursing graduates. Compare this to top Ohio programs like Chamberlain University-Ohio ($83,188) or Kettering College ($79,505), which offer substantially higher starting salaries that likely continue growing rather than declining.

For parents, this data suggests Xavier's nursing program may not provide the career momentum you'd expect from a $27,000 investment. The declining earnings pattern is particularly concerning in nursing, a field with typically strong job security and advancement potential. While the debt is reasonable, your child might be better served by stronger-performing Ohio nursing programs that offer both higher starting salaries and better long-term earning prospects.