Human Development, Family Studies, at Ohio University-Eastern Campus

Ohio University-Eastern's Human Development program places graduates near the top nationally—92nd percentile in earnings—yet sits at the median among Ohio schools. First-year earnings of $38,973 beat the national average by over $5,000, while the $27,000 debt load matches both state and national medians. That 0.69 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates typically owe about 8 months of salary, a manageable position that should allow for comfortable repayment within standard timelines.

The 60th percentile state ranking tells an interesting story: Ohio produces strong outcomes in this field overall, so being middle-of-the-pack in Ohio still means outperforming most programs nationwide. All Ohio University campuses report identical median earnings for this program, suggesting consistent curriculum and employer recognition across the system. The modest 5% earnings growth over four years indicates relatively stable—if not spectacular—career progression in early years.

For families considering this path, the fundamentals work. Graduates earn enough to manage their debt while entering fields like social services, family counseling, or child development coordination. The moderate sample size provides reasonable confidence in these figures. Parents should recognize they're paying for solid career preparation rather than high-income potential, but the financial math supports this as a viable choice for students genuinely interested in family and community services work.