Analysis
Engineering bachelor's programs typically deliver strong early returns, and the estimated figures here—$68,000 in first-year earnings against $26,000 in debt—suggest this Ohio University-Eastern program follows that pattern. Based on national benchmarks for engineering degrees, that 0.38 debt-to-earnings ratio indicates graduates would need less than five months of their first year's salary to cover what they borrowed, which is manageable by most standards.
What's harder to assess is how this regional campus stacks up against Ohio's other engineering options. With no reported outcomes available from comparable programs in-state, parents can't see whether Ohio University-Eastern's approach produces better or worse results than alternatives at Cleveland State, Cincinnati, or other public engineering schools. The unusually low Pell enrollment—just 9% of students receive need-based aid—suggests this campus serves a more affluent student population, which may or may not align with your family's situation.
The fundamentals look solid if these estimates hold: engineering credentials generally command good starting salaries, and the projected debt load wouldn't be crushing. But given the lack of actual outcome data for this specific campus, visiting to understand their engineering facilities, faculty credentials, and employer connections becomes essential. You're essentially betting that a smaller regional campus delivers results comparable to the national engineering median.
Where Ohio University-Eastern 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-Eastern Campus, approximately 9% 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.