Music at Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus

Ohio University-Chillicothe's music program outperforms most of its national peers while keeping debt manageable. Starting earnings of $36,252 place graduates in the 83rd percentile nationally—well above the typical music graduate who earns just $26,000. The $27,000 in median debt sits right at both state and national medians, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.74 that's reasonable for an arts degree. Within Ohio, this program ranks solidly in the 60th percentile, matching the earnings of several other Ohio University campuses.

The trade-off here is modest income growth. Four years out, earnings tick up only slightly to $37,335—a 3% increase that suggests graduates may hit their ceiling relatively quickly. For comparison, the typical music graduate nationally sees limited upward mobility as well, so this pattern isn't unique to Chillicothe. The program's real strength is launching graduates ahead of where most music majors start.

For families worried about the financial viability of a music degree, this program offers tangible evidence that it's possible to graduate with better-than-average outcomes. Your child won't get rich, but they'll earn about $10,000 more annually than the typical music graduate while carrying typical debt levels. That's a meaningful advantage in a field where many programs leave graduates struggling to cover loans.