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Best Value Health/Medical Preparatory Programs Colleges in Ohio

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Kent State University at Kent delivers the highest earnings potential among Ohio's health and medical preparatory programs, with graduates earning $37,568 annually while maintaining a net cost of $19,614. This stands in sharp contrast to the University of Dayton, where students pay $31,236 but see starting salaries drop to $20,921. Ohio's healthcare sector, anchored by major employers like Cleveland Clinic and Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, creates strong demand for medical professionals across the state. The cost spread between public and private options reaches nearly $22,000, with Kent State at Ashtabula offering the lowest net price at $10,753. Graduation rates vary dramatically from 25.8% at regional campuses to 87.7% at Ohio State's main campus. Ohio State University combines reasonable costs with strong outcomes, posting an 87.7% graduation rate while keeping net costs at $18,292. Students benefit from the Ohio College Opportunity Grant, which helps offset expenses across both public and private institutions preparing the next generation of healthcare workers.
20
Programs
$10,753 – $38,111
Net Price Range
$27,103
Avg. Program Earnings
58.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

20 Health/Medical Preparatory Programs Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $19,614 $37,568 $12,846 65.5% 88.0%
2 $16,065 $28,236 $12,613 48.9% 85.3%
3 $18,292 $27,280 $12,859 87.7% 52.7%
4 $27,662 $21,508 $17,809 81.8% 87.9%
5 $31,236 $20,921 $47,600 81.5% 74.1%
6 $10,753 $7,272 25.8%
7 $32,342 $48,125 70.5% 84.5%
8 $18,027 $37,860 53.2% 85.1%
9 $21,619 $52,357 61.7% 52.2%
10 $16,135 $36,650 54.7% 54.4%
11 $13,346 $7,278 21.6%
12 $15,156 $15,672 65.0% 34.4%
13 $14,981 $12,799 48.2% 82.9%
14 $20,088 $26,265 59.1% 93.1%
15 $21,662 $33,628 49.8% 71.4%
16 $23,731 $39,646 62.6% 86.0%
17 $38,111 $64,000 80.1% 22.0%
18 $23,722 $38,778 36.7% 62.9%
19 $23,156 $13,570 71.5% 86.2%
20 $17,430 $36,298 49.5% 96.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $16,647 earnings gap between the highest and lowest paying programs?

Kent State University at Kent graduates earn $37,568 compared to University of Dayton's $20,921, reflecting differences in program focus and regional job placement. Kent State's location near major healthcare systems and its established medical partnerships contribute to stronger salary outcomes. The University of Dayton's lower earnings may reflect students entering entry-level positions or pursuing additional education before reaching higher-paying roles. Geographic factors also play a role, as northern Ohio's healthcare market offers more high-paying opportunities.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in Ohio?

Ohio State University achieves the highest graduation rate at 87.7% with a moderate net cost of $18,292, proving that expensive doesn't always mean better outcomes. Kent State at Ashtabula, despite having the lowest cost at $10,753, struggles with a 25.8% graduation rate. Miami University-Oxford balances strong completion rates of 81.8% with reasonable in-state tuition of $17,809. The data suggests that well-funded flagship campuses typically deliver better support systems that improve student success.

Is attending a private college worth the extra cost for medical preparation?

Private colleges like University of Dayton charge $31,236 but produce graduates earning just $20,921, creating a challenging return on investment. Xavier University costs $32,342 with no available earnings data, making the value proposition unclear. In contrast, public options like Cleveland State University offer strong value with $16,065 net costs and $28,236 graduate earnings. Private colleges may offer smaller class sizes and more personalized attention, but the financial data suggests public universities provide better economic outcomes.

Where should students focus their applications for the best acceptance odds?

Hiram College offers the highest acceptance rate at 93.14%, followed by Kent State at Kent with 88.02% acceptance. Ohio Wesleyan University and Ohio State's main campus are most selective, accepting 52.18% and 52.72% respectively. Kettering College presents the most competitive admission at 34.41% acceptance, likely reflecting its specialized healthcare focus. Students seeking backup options should consider Cleveland State University, which accepts 85.32% of applicants while maintaining strong graduate earnings of $28,236.

Does school location within Ohio affect career prospects significantly?

Cleveland-area schools benefit from proximity to Cleveland Clinic, one of the nation's top medical centers, potentially explaining Cleveland State's strong $28,236 graduate earnings. Columbus offers access to Ohio State Wexner Medical Center and numerous research opportunities, supporting varied career paths. Cincinnati schools like Xavier University and Mount St. Joseph serve a growing healthcare market in southwestern Ohio. Smaller cities like Ashtabula and Hamilton show lower graduation rates, suggesting that urban locations provide better academic support and internship opportunities.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.