Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs — see details below.
Analysis
Ohio University-Chillicothe's engineering bachelor's program shows estimates that align closely with national medians—approximately $68,000 in first-year earnings against roughly $26,000 in debt. Since the actual graduate cohort is too small for the Department of Education to publish outcomes, these figures come from peer engineering programs nationally. That 0.38 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageable repayment: graduates would owe less than four months' salary, a reasonable burden for an engineering credential that typically leads to steady technical work.
The challenge here is uncertainty. Engineering programs vary enormously in focus—mechanical, civil, electrical, and other specialties produce different career trajectories—and outcomes can depend heavily on local job markets and employer connections. Chillicothe operates as a regional campus of Ohio University's larger system, which may offer advantages in resources and name recognition but could also mean fewer on-campus recruiting opportunities compared to the main Athens campus. The low Pell percentage (16%) might indicate this campus serves a different demographic or simply reflects the small overall student body.
For parents, the fundamental question is whether this specific campus can deliver the hands-on labs, industry connections, and academic rigor that make engineering degrees valuable. Visit the campus, ask about capstone projects and internship placement, and talk to recent graduates if possible. The estimated numbers suggest solid potential, but with no actual graduate outcomes to verify, you're relying on the program's execution rather than proven results.
Where Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Engineering bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6,178 | $67,911* | — | $25,832* | — | |
| $64,458 | $109,455* | $114,228 | $14,512* | 0.13 | |
| $66,255 | $92,491* | $103,969 | $22,240* | 0.24 | |
| $68,230 | $86,416* | $87,937 | $14,500* | 0.17 | |
| $15,247 | $82,956* | $104,701 | $15,000* | 0.18 | |
| $41,010 | $78,211* | — | $27,000* | 0.35 | |
| National Median | — | $67,911* | — | $26,056* | 0.38 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
Engineers, All Other
Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar
Mechatronics Engineers
Microsystems Engineers
Photonics Engineers
Robotics Engineers
Nanosystems Engineers
Wind Energy Engineers
Solar Energy Systems Engineers
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 University-Chillicothe Campus, approximately 16% 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 47 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.