Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at Ohio University-Eastern Campus

Ohio University-Eastern's networking program shows a strong earnings trajectory with notably low debt, though the small graduating class means these numbers could shift significantly year to year. First-year earnings of $61,788 already exceed the national median for this program, and by year four, graduates are earning nearly $69,000—that's solid growth in an already well-performing technical field. The $19,500 in debt is substantially lower than the $27,000 national median, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.32 that graduates should be able to manage comfortably.

What's interesting is that this Eastern Campus location matches the earnings performance of Ohio University's main campus and other regional campuses, suggesting the Ohio University system delivers consistent value across locations. Among Ohio's 11 programs in this field, these earnings sit right at the median, meaning it's competitive within the state. The low debt burden gives this program an edge over higher-debt alternatives.

The significant caveat: with fewer than 30 graduates in the data, a few unusually successful or struggling alumni can skew these numbers dramatically. If your child is seriously considering this program, dig deeper into job placement specifics and whether the program has strong employer relationships in the region. But on paper, the combination of above-average earnings and below-average debt makes this a reasonable option for students who want to stay close to home without sacrificing outcomes.