Human Resources Management and Services at Ohio Business College-Sandusky

At an estimated $40,000 in first-year earnings and $35,666 in debt, Ohio Business College's HR associate's degree sits squarely at national norms for earnings but carries debt that's substantially higher than typical. The national median debt for this credential is $26,536—meaning this program's borrowing is about $9,000 above what's standard. That gap matters when 84% of students here receive Pell grants, as higher debt burdens hit low-income graduates hardest. The drop to $36,279 by year four is also concerning, suggesting earnings may not grow as expected in the early career years.

These figures are estimates based on comparable HR programs nationally, since this campus's graduate cohort is too small for the Department of Education to publish specific outcomes. Similar associate's programs in Ohio show the same $35,666 debt level, indicating this is a statewide pattern rather than unique to Sandusky. The practical question is whether an HR associate's degree—which peer programs suggest leads to roughly $40,000 jobs—justifies $36,000 in loans when cheaper paths to the same credential exist elsewhere.

For families weighing this program, the key issue is cost control. If your student can access significant grant aid or has the option to attend a community college with lower borrowing, those alternatives deserve serious consideration given the uncertain earnings trajectory.