Students at Ursuline College benefit from an institution that transforms access into genuine economic opportunity, particularly for first-generation and low-income students who achieve strong financial outcomes.
The college's track record includes a 0% default rate and reliable career preparation that helps graduates manage debt successfully while building stable careers.
Ursuline College is a small private nonprofit institution in Pepper Pike, Ohio, that specializes in creating pathways to career success for students from diverse backgrounds. Nearly 40% of students receive Pell Grants and about 34% are first-generation college students, yet the college consistently helps these students achieve meaningful upward mobility. As a designated "Mobility Engine," Ursuline combines broad access with strong outcomes, particularly for low-income students who earn more than peers at similar institutions.
The college's intimate scale allows for personalized attention and mentorship that larger universities often cannot provide. With a focused program portfolio centered on nursing, health sciences, and professional fields, Ursuline graduates earn a median of $56,878 ten years after enrollment, with many entering stable, in-demand careers. The institution's strength lies not in prestige or selectivity, but in its ability to transform access into genuine economic opportunity.
For families seeking a supportive environment where students receive individual attention and graduate with practical skills for immediate employment, Ursuline offers a compelling value proposition. The college's track record of helping first-generation and low-income students succeed makes it particularly valuable for families navigating higher education for the first time.
Ursuline College's program portfolio centers on nursing and health sciences, with the Adult Health Nursing program serving as the institution's flagship offering. This program graduates 107 students annually and produces median earnings of $55,964 ten years after graduation, reflecting the strong demand for healthcare professionals and the college's effective preparation of students for these careers.
The nursing program represents Ursuline's core strength: preparing students for stable, essential careers with reliable earning potential. Healthcare fields offer job security and consistent demand, making them particularly valuable for students seeking predictable career outcomes. The college's focus on practical training and clinical experience helps graduates enter the workforce ready to contribute immediately.
While Ursuline's program mix is more focused than larger universities, this concentration allows for specialized expertise and strong industry connections. The college's emphasis on professional preparation and career-oriented education ensures that graduates have the skills and credentials needed for immediate employment in their chosen fields, particularly in healthcare where demand continues to grow.
Ursuline College graduates achieve solid long-term financial outcomes, with median earnings of $56,878 ten years after enrollment. The college delivers earnings that exceed expectations by about $3,474 compared with similar institutions, reflecting its focus on career-oriented programs and strong student support systems. This earnings advantage, while modest, represents meaningful value for students who might not have access to more selective institutions.
The college's return on investment is driven primarily by its nursing program, which graduates 107 students annually and produces some of the strongest financial outcomes on campus. Adult Health Nursing majors earn a median of $55,964 ten years out, entering a field with strong job security and consistent demand. This program represents Ursuline's core strength: preparing students for stable, well-paying careers in essential fields like healthcare.
While Ursuline may not produce the highest absolute earnings compared with large research universities, it delivers reliable financial outcomes for students who value personalized education and career-focused training. The college's emphasis on practical skills and professional preparation helps graduates enter the workforce with confidence and achieve steady career progression over time.
Ursuline College offers reasonable affordability, particularly for low-income families who pay an average net price of $12,738 annually. Middle-income families see costs around $20,362 per year, while higher-income families pay about $24,145, reflecting the college's commitment to need-based financial aid. These net prices make Ursuline accessible to families across income levels, though costs are higher than typical public institutions.
The college's financial aid approach helps keep debt levels manageable for most students. Typical graduates leave with about $26,250 in federal student loan debt, a moderate level that aligns with the college's focus on career preparation and job placement. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $19,314, indicating that many families contribute directly to their student's education while keeping overall debt reasonable.
Ursuline's affordability story is strengthened by its strong loan repayment outcomes. The college maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, and graduates demonstrate solid repayment patterns with about 65% successfully repaying their loans. This track record suggests that despite moderate debt levels, graduates are well-prepared to manage their financial obligations after graduation.
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