Location: Athens, OH•In-State Tuition: $13,746•Out-of-State Tuition: $24,114•Admission Rate: 85%•Avg SAT: 1212
Median Earnings (1yr)
$38,973
92nd percentile
60th percentile in Ohio
Median Debt
$27,000
8% above national median
D/E Ratio: 0.69 ManageableSample: 71 graduates

Analysis

Ohio University's Human Development program charges premium debt for middle-of-the-pack performance within Ohio. While first-year earnings of $38,973 significantly outperform the national median by $5,400 (92nd percentile nationally), this program lands squarely in the middle when compared to other Ohio schools in this field (60th percentile). More concerning is the $27,000 debt load—matching the state median but higher than the national average—combined with minimal earnings growth of just 5% over four years.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.69 is reasonable, meaning graduates can expect to earn back their debt in roughly 8 months of gross income. However, that static earnings trajectory should catch your attention: starting near $39,000 and climbing to only $41,000 by year four suggests limited career advancement in typical graduate roles. For a program where Ohio offers 21 options, your child isn't getting a clear Ohio advantage despite paying full freight.

If your student is committed to this field and Ohio University specifically, the outcomes are workable—not disastrous, but not exceptional either. The safer bet might be exploring whether other Ohio schools in this program offer similar outcomes with lower debt, or ensuring your child has concrete plans for graduate education or specialized certifications that could break through that earnings plateau.

Where Ohio University-Main Campus Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all human development, family studies, bachelors's programs nationally

Ohio University-Main CampusOther human development, family studies, programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How Ohio University-Main Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally

Ohio University-Main Campus earns $39k — 92th percentile among human development, family studies, bachelors programs.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Ohio University-Main Campus$38,973$40,855+5%
Ohio State University-Main Campus$34,610$44,071+27%
Ohio University-Eastern Campus$38,973$40,855+5%
Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus$38,973$40,855+5%
Ohio University-Southern Campus$38,973$40,855+5%

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

Human Development, Family Studies, bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (21 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Ohio University-Main CampusAthens$13,746$38,973$40,855$27,0000.69
Ohio University-Lancaster CampusLancaster$6,178$38,973$40,855$27,0000.69
Ohio University-Southern CampusIronton$6,178$38,973$40,855$27,0000.69
Ohio University-Chillicothe CampusChillicothe$6,178$38,973$40,855$27,0000.69
Ohio University-Eastern CampusSaint Clairsville$6,178$38,973$40,855$27,0000.69
Ohio University-Zanesville CampusZanesville$6,178$38,973$40,855$27,0000.69
National Median—$33,543—$25,0000.75

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with human development, family studies, graduates

Psychologists, All Other

All psychologists not listed separately.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Neuropsychologists

Apply theories and principles of neuropsychology to evaluate and diagnose disorders of higher cerebral functioning, often in research and medical settings. Study the human brain and the effect of physiological states on human cognition and behavior. May formulate and administer programs of treatment.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Clinical Neuropsychologists

Assess and diagnose patients with neurobehavioral problems related to acquired or developmental disorders of the nervous system, such as neurodegenerative disorders, traumatic brain injury, seizure disorders, and learning disabilities. Recommend treatment after diagnosis, such as therapy, medication, or surgery. Assist with evaluation before and after neurosurgical procedures, such as deep brain stimulation.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in childcare, family relations, finance, nutrition, and related subjects pertaining to home management. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Social and Human Service Assistants

Assist other social and human service providers in providing client services in a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, or social work, including support for families. May assist clients in identifying and obtaining available benefits and social and community services. May assist social workers with developing, organizing, and conducting programs to prevent and resolve problems relevant to substance abuse, human relationships, rehabilitation, or dependent care.

$45,120/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education

Instruct preschool-aged students, following curricula or lesson plans, in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth.

$37,120/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Childcare Workers

Attend to children at schools, businesses, private households, and childcare institutions. Perform a variety of tasks, such as dressing, feeding, bathing, and overseeing play.

$32,050/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Nannies

Care for children in private households and provide support and expertise to parents in satisfying children's physical, emotional, intellectual, and social needs. Duties may include meal planning and preparation, laundry and clothing care, organization of play activities and outings, discipline, intellectual stimulation, language activities, and transportation.

$32,050/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other

All social scientists and related workers not listed separately.

Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other

All community and social service specialists not listed separately.

Farm and Home Management Educators

Instruct and advise individuals and families engaged in agriculture, agricultural-related processes, or home management activities. Demonstrate procedures and apply research findings to advance agricultural and home management activities. May develop educational outreach programs. May instruct on either agricultural issues such as agricultural processes and techniques, pest management, and food safety, or on home management issues such as budgeting, nutrition, and child development.

Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education

Assist a preschool, elementary, middle, or secondary school teacher with instructional duties. Serve in a position for which a teacher has primary responsibility for the design and implementation of educational programs and services.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Ohio University-Main Campus, approximately 20% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 71 graduates with reported earnings and 95 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.