History at Ohio University-Lancaster Campus

Ohio University-Lancaster's history program starts its graduates at concerning levels—$24,075 first-year earnings ranks in just the 5th percentile nationally—but the trajectory tells a different story. By year four, graduates reach $41,689, which is 73% growth and well above both state and national medians. Among Ohio history programs, this places around the 40th percentile, trailing flagships like Akron and Cincinnati but representing solid middle ground for in-state options.

The $26,000 debt load matches Ohio's state median and sits just above the national benchmark, making the debt-to-earnings ratio (1.08) look worse than it actually is due to that unusually low starting salary. The real question is what happens in those critical early years—whether graduates are supplementing income with additional work, completing credentials, or simply facing a delayed entry into stable employment. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) suggests these patterns reflect actual outcomes rather than statistical noise.

For families willing to weather a financially tight first year or two, this program delivers reasonable mid-career earnings at standard debt levels. But that initial $24,075 salary requires either substantial family support or a second income stream to manage loan payments comfortably. If your child needs immediate financial independence after graduation, the early earnings gap is a real obstacle.