Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering at Ohio State University-Main Campus

Ohio State's Environmental Engineering program graduates earn $67,938 within a year—comfortably above the $64,675 national median and roughly equivalent to Ohio's state median. The $24,850 in typical debt translates to a manageable 0.37 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates need less than five months of their first-year salary to cover what they borrowed. With only six schools in Ohio offering this specialized field, you're looking at a program that performs solidly without standing out dramatically from its limited in-state competition.

The earnings trajectory tells a realistic story: modest 6% growth to $72,185 by year four. This isn't the explosive salary acceleration you might see in software engineering, but environmental engineering careers often prioritize stability and mission-driven work over pure earnings potential. The program ranks in the 81st percentile nationally—a strong showing—though the 60th percentile in Ohio suggests in-state alternatives may offer comparable outcomes.

Here's the practical takeaway: If your child is passionate about environmental work and wants the resources of a large research university, this program delivers solid value without excessive debt. The small sample size (under 30 graduates tracked) means individual experiences may vary more than the numbers suggest, but the fundamentals—reasonable debt, above-average starting salary, access to Ohio State's engineering network—are sound. Just don't expect six-figure salaries right out of the gate; that's not why students choose this field.