Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies at Ohio State University-Main Campus

Ohio State's Ethnic Studies program starts modestly but shows something many humanities degrees don't: meaningful earnings growth. While the $31,179 first-year salary sits right at the national median, graduates earn $41,029 by year four—a 32% jump that suggests this degree opens doors that take time to walk through. At 60th percentile among Ohio programs, it outperforms more than half the state's options, and the $22,056 debt load comes in below the national median at a manageable 0.71 times first-year earnings.

The trajectory here matters more than the starting point. Many cultural studies graduates move into nonprofits, education, or corporate diversity roles where experience counts heavily toward advancement. The four-year number approaches what some technical programs deliver at graduation, though those typically offer higher starting salaries. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) means these numbers are reasonably reliable, though not as robust as data from larger programs.

For families evaluating this program, the key question is patience. If your student needs immediate earning power to manage debt, the first-year salary will feel tight. But if they can weather a few lean years—perhaps through lower cost of living or family support—the growth pattern suggests this degree builds equity over time. The debt level won't crush them while they're finding their footing professionally.