Human Development, Family Studies, at Ohio University-Main Campus

Ohio University's Human Development associate's degree produces earnings that trail the national median by about $3,300 in the first year, landing graduates in just the 25th percentile nationally. However, Ohio context matters here: these earnings hit the state median exactly, placing the program at the 60th percentile among Ohio schools. The modest debt load of $11,686—well below the national benchmark—keeps the debt-to-earnings ratio reasonable at 0.52, meaning graduates owe roughly half their first-year salary.

The small sample size (under 30 graduates) makes it hard to draw firm conclusions, but the pattern suggests this program delivers middle-of-the-road outcomes for Ohio while underperforming nationally. Several other Ohio University campuses report identical numbers, which may reflect data reporting practices rather than actual differences. The relatively low debt is this program's strongest selling point, as graduates aren't saddled with outsized loans while entering a field known for modest early earnings.

For families already in Ohio, this program offers predictable, if unspectacular, results with manageable debt. The real question is whether an associate's in this field provides sufficient career momentum, since similar positions elsewhere pay 15-20% more right out of school. If your student plans to continue to a bachelor's degree, this could serve as an affordable stepping stone.