Analysis
Human services work demands dedication, not six-figure aspirations, but Ohio Christian's debt load tests even that reasonable expectation. Comparable bachelor's programs nationwide suggest first-year earnings around $36,600, while graduates here carry $32,500 in debt—nearly 90% of that initial salary. For a field where salaries typically grow modestly and many positions require master's degrees for advancement, starting this deep in debt creates genuine constraints on career choices and financial stability.
The $36,600 estimate puts this program squarely at the national median, which means it's neither underperforming nor exceptional compared to similar human services programs elsewhere. The debt figure, however, sits right at the state median for Ohio, suggesting this is unfortunately typical for the region rather than a school-specific problem. Still, when your monthly student loan payments could consume 10-15% of take-home pay, the practical trade-offs become real: delaying graduate school, living with roommates longer, or choosing jobs based on loan forgiveness programs rather than mission fit.
Before committing, contact Ohio Christian directly about their actual graduate outcomes—they may have more recent or detailed data than what the Department of Education published. If your student is weighing multiple schools, prioritize those with lower debt loads or reported (not estimated) earnings data, as the uncertainty here makes it difficult to assess whether this program specifically delivers value beyond the state average.
Where Ohio Christian University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all human services bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Human Services bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $23,700 | $36,630* | — | $32,498 | — | |
| $21,198 | $51,659* | — | $35,166 | 0.68 | |
| $46,212 | $46,184* | — | — | — | |
| $63,141 | $45,799* | $37,367 | $26,000 | 0.57 | |
| — | $45,799* | $37,367 | $26,000 | 0.57 | |
| $9,780 | $45,751* | $48,069 | $31,000 | 0.68 | |
| National Median | — | $36,630* | — | $31,573 | 0.86 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with human services graduates
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 Ohio Christian University, approximately 34% 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 national median of 84 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.