Civil Engineering at Ohio Northern University

Ohio Northern's civil engineering program sits in an interesting middle ground: it outperforms the Ohio median by more than $11,000 (placing in the 60th percentile statewide), but falls slightly below the national median. For families focused on in-state options, this is actually a solid positioning—graduates earn more than most Ohio civil engineering students while carrying less debt than the state average.

The $25,961 debt load translates to a manageable 0.38 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates spend roughly four to five months of their first-year salary covering what they borrowed. That's comfortable territory for an engineering degree. Earnings growth to $77,619 by year four is steady if not spectacular, and the moderate sample size suggests these results reflect real outcomes rather than a few outliers.

The practical question is whether Ohio Northern's premium over larger state schools like Ohio State justifies its likely higher sticker price. If your student receives merit aid that brings total debt close to this $26,000 median, you're looking at solid value—especially compared to paying more to attend Case Western or Dayton for marginally higher earnings. But if finishing with significantly more debt is likely, those flagship options might deliver better bang for your buck. Check the net price calculator carefully before committing.