Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus

Ohio University-Chillicothe's geosciences program sits right at the state median for earnings while keeping debt notably below average—a worthwhile combination for a regional campus. Graduates earn $38,637 in their first year, landing in the 60th percentile among Ohio geosciences programs. More importantly, they carry just $19,500 in debt, about $5,000 less than the national median for this field. That 0.50 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe roughly six months of their starting salary, a manageable burden that leaves breathing room in those early career years.

The tradeoff is straightforward: this campus delivers middle-of-the-road earnings compared to flagship programs like Ohio State ($41,156) but does so at significantly lower financial cost. For students who need to stay close to home or prefer a smaller campus environment, that's a reasonable exchange. The moderate sample size suggests a stable program without being a major draw, which aligns with what you'd expect from a regional location.

For families weighing in-state options, this program offers practical value. Your child won't graduate among the highest earners in the field, but they'll enter the workforce with debt they can actually handle on a geoscientist's starting salary—and that financial foundation matters more than many parents realize.