Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at Ohio University-Lancaster Campus

The geosciences program at Ohio University-Lancaster comes with a notable advantage: graduates leave with roughly $5,000 less debt than the national median, while still earning within striking distance of typical outcomes. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.50, students can expect to owe about half their first-year salary—a manageable burden that's better than most programs nationally. The $38,637 starting salary lands right at Ohio's median for geology programs, meaning your child won't be at a disadvantage compared to peers across the state.

Context matters here: while this program ranks in the 60th percentile statewide, it's competing against flagship institutions like Ohio State ($41,156) and larger regional universities. The Lancaster campus delivers similar outcomes to its sister campus in Eastern Ohio and trails the top programs by just $2,500-3,500. That gap narrows considerably when you factor in the lower debt load, which means your child reaches financial breakeven faster than graduates carrying heavier loans.

The practical takeaway? This program offers solid value for students who want to pursue geology without excessive financial risk. The moderate debt burden creates breathing room after graduation, whether your child pursues graduate school, entry-level field work, or adjacent careers in environmental consulting. For families prioritizing affordability while keeping career doors open in the earth sciences, this represents a sensible choice within Ohio's geology landscape.