Human Resources Management and Services at Ohio University-Main Campus

Ohio University's HR program operates with a concerning $7,000 earnings gap compared to the national median, placing it in just the 11th percentile nationally. While the $25,000 debt load is manageable and matches the state median, starting at $43,125 means graduates earn roughly $14,000 less than peers at Ohio State and fall well below what Walsh or Bluffton graduates command. Even within Ohio's competitive landscape, this program sits at the 40th percentile—decidedly below average for the state.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58 isn't catastrophic, and Ohio U's accessible admissions (85% acceptance rate) offer a path for students who might not get into more selective programs. However, the small sample size—fewer than 30 graduates—makes these figures volatile and potentially unrepresentative. A single year's cohort might not reflect typical outcomes, which adds risk to this assessment.

For parents weighing options, the key question is whether Ohio University's lower cost of attendance (compared to private alternatives) offsets the earnings disadvantage. If your student has admission offers from Ohio State, Akron, or even smaller schools like Bluffton, those programs deliver substantially better starting salaries. If Ohio U is the most affordable option after financial aid, verify current employment outcomes directly with the career center before committing.