Housing and Human Environments at Ohio University-Main Campus

Ohio University's Housing and Human Environments program sits squarely in the middle of the pack nationally, but the small sample size—fewer than 30 graduates—means these numbers could swing significantly year to year. The first-year salary of $38,637 is exactly the national median for this field, while debt of $25,683 translates to a manageable 0.66 ratio. What's more encouraging is the trajectory: earnings jump 26% to $48,770 by year four, suggesting graduates gain valuable skills that employers recognize over time.

Within Ohio, this program ranks in the 60th percentile, performing slightly better than the state median. However, when you look at the comparison list, you'll notice something unusual—the other Ohio University campuses report identical earnings figures. This is likely an artifact of how the data aggregates across the OU system rather than reflecting actual outcomes at each campus. The main Athens campus typically offers more resources, recruiting opportunities, and networking potential than regional campuses, but the earnings data doesn't capture that distinction here.

For a family considering this program, the real question is whether this specific career path aligns with your child's goals. The debt load is reasonable and earnings show solid growth, but at $38,637 starting out, it's not a high-earning field. If your student is passionate about housing policy, interior design, or community development, the numbers work. Just remember that with such a small cohort, these figures are a rough guide rather than a guarantee.