Public Health at Ohio University-Lancaster Campus

Ohio University-Lancaster's public health program sits squarely at the Ohio median for both earnings ($37,883) and debt ($27,000), landing in the 60th percentile statewide—meaning it outperforms 60% of the state's public health programs. That's respectable positioning for a regional campus, though families should note that Bowling Green State achieves nearly $10,000 higher median earnings for similar debt loads. The 0.71 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable, requiring roughly 8-9 months of gross income to cover total borrowing, which falls below the concerning 1.0 threshold that signals repayment difficulties.

The real consideration here is whether $37,883 meets your family's financial expectations for a bachelor's degree. This salary won't support an extravagant lifestyle in Lancaster or nearby Columbus, but it provides a stable foundation for entry-level public health work in health departments, community organizations, or healthcare administration. The program's low debt burden—in just the 30th percentile nationally—deserves credit, as many students graduate with far heavier loan obligations.

For families prioritizing affordability and local employment connections in southeastern Ohio, this program delivers solid value without surprises. If your child has aspirations for higher-paying public health roles, however, they should plan on eventually pursuing a master's degree, as advanced credentials typically unlock the field's better-compensated positions.