Median Earnings (1yr)
$66,591
69th percentile
60th percentile in Ohio
Median Debt
$26,863
11% above national median

Analysis

Ohio University delivers exactly what you'd hope for in a manufacturing-focused degree: strong starting salaries and relatively modest debt. At $66,591 in year one, graduates earn more than 80% of their peers nationally in this field, while taking on debt that represents just 40% of first-year income—well below the concerning 1:1 threshold most experts warn about. The $26,863 in median debt sits near the 24th percentile nationally, meaning three-quarters of similar programs leave students with more debt.

The 11% earnings growth to nearly $74,000 by year four suggests graduates are gaining valuable skills and advancing in their careers. Among Ohio's nine programs in this field, these outcomes place right at the state median, with room to catch institutions like Dayton but significantly outpacing others. Given Ohio's strong manufacturing sector, this regional context matters—graduates are positioned competitively for in-state opportunities.

For families concerned about college ROI, this program checks the key boxes: graduates start earning immediately, the debt burden is manageable, and career trajectory trends upward. The combination of accessible admissions and solid financial outcomes makes this a pragmatic choice for students interested in production technology careers, particularly those planning to stay in Ohio's industrial corridor.

Where Ohio University-Main Campus Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all industrial production technologies/technicians bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

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

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Ohio University-Main Campus$66,591$73,775+11%
Central Connecticut State University$74,889$84,550+13%
Weber State University$75,281$84,292+12%
Ferris State University$78,820$81,758+4%
Shawnee State University$57,682$79,938+39%

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (9 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Ohio University-Main CampusAthens$13,746$66,591$73,775$26,8630.40
University of DaytonDayton$47,600$70,559$26,4050.37
Shawnee State UniversityPortsmouth$9,622$57,682$79,938$24,5000.42
National Median$59,822$24,2500.41

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with industrial production technologies/technicians graduates

Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Apply electrical and electronic theory and related knowledge, usually under the direction of engineering staff, to design, build, repair, adjust, and modify electrical components, circuitry, controls, and machinery for subsequent evaluation and use by engineering staff in making engineering design decisions.

$77,180/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Apply engineering theory and principles to problems of industrial layout or manufacturing production, usually under the direction of engineering staff. May perform time and motion studies on worker operations in a variety of industries for purposes such as establishing standard production rates or improving efficiency.

$64,790/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Implement production processes and operate commercial-scale production equipment to produce, test, or modify materials, devices, or systems of unique molecular or macromolecular composition. Operate advanced microscopy equipment to manipulate nanoscale objects. Work under the supervision of nanoengineering staff.

$64,790/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Semiconductor Processing Technicians

Perform any or all of the following functions in the manufacture of electronic semiconductors: load semiconductor material into furnace; saw formed ingots into segments; load individual segment into crystal growing chamber and monitor controls; locate crystal axis in ingot using x-ray equipment and saw ingots into wafers; and clean, polish, and load wafers into series of special purpose furnaces, chemical baths, and equipment used to form circuitry and change conductive properties.

$51,180/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers

Use hand-welding, flame-cutting, hand-soldering, or brazing equipment to weld or join metal components or to fill holes, indentations, or seams of fabricated metal products.

$51,000/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other

All engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, not listed separately.

Non-Destructive Testing Specialists

Test the safety of structures, vehicles, or vessels using x-ray, ultrasound, fiber optic or related equipment.

Photonics Technicians

Build, install, test, or maintain optical or fiber optic equipment, such as lasers, lenses, or mirrors, using spectrometers, interferometers, or related equipment.

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.