Analysis
An Urban Studies bachelor's degree typically starts graduates around $40,000 in their first year—right at the national median for this field. That figure, derived from peer programs nationwide, suggests fairly consistent outcomes whether you study in Ohio or elsewhere. What's worth noting is that Ohio programs tend to carry higher debt loads than the national average, with the state median reaching $32,000. At an estimated $23,000, this program appears more manageable on the borrowing front, though both figures are drawn from comparable programs rather than actual graduate outcomes from this specific campus.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57 sits in reasonable territory—below the concerning 1.0 threshold where annual debt equals annual income. Translated practically: a graduate earning $40,000 could expect monthly loan payments around $260 on a standard 10-year plan, taking roughly 8% of gross income. That's workable, though not generous, especially for someone planning to work in urban planning or community development where entry-level salaries rarely surge quickly.
The challenge here is that every number represents an educated guess based on similar programs. With only a handful of Urban Studies programs in Ohio and limited reporting, you're essentially betting that this regional campus produces outcomes comparable to the national median. If you're considering this path, confirm what specific career services and internship networks this campus offers—those connections matter more than usual when the data picture remains this unclear.
Where Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all urban studies/affairs bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Urban Studies/Affairs bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (12 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6,178 | $40,294* | — | $23,000* | — | |
| $12,613 | $38,929* | $42,894 | $32,083* | 0.82 | |
| National Median | — | $40,294* | — | $21,775* | 0.54 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with urban studies/affairs graduates
Sociologists
Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other
Urban and Regional Planners
Managers, All Other
Regulatory Affairs Managers
Compliance Managers
Loss Prevention Managers
Wind Energy Operations Managers
Wind Energy Development Managers
Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers
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 25 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.