Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at Ohio University-Lancaster Campus

The numbers here look promising—graduates earn above the national median with relatively modest debt—but there's an important caveat. With fewer than 30 graduates in the dataset, these figures could shift dramatically year to year. That said, the $61,788 starting salary matches what Ohio University's main campus reports and sits at the 75th percentile nationally, while the $19,500 debt load is substantially lower than the $27,000 national median. The 0.32 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe roughly four months' salary, which is manageable in tech fields.

What's particularly encouraging is the earnings trajectory: the 12% jump to $68,889 by year four suggests decent career progression. Among Ohio's 11 programs in this field, Lancaster performs right at the state median for both earnings and debt, though it's worth noting that all Ohio University campuses report identical numbers—likely because networking students complete some coursework across the OU system.

If your child is looking at this program, the fundamentals work: solid earnings, low debt, reasonable growth. Just recognize that the small graduate cohort means the program may not have extensive industry connections or the same alumni network as larger programs. Visit campus and ask about job placement specifics and whether students have access to internship networks through the broader Ohio University system.