Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Ohio University-Main Campus

Ohio University's liberal arts program sits solidly in the middle of the pack—landing at the 40th percentile among Ohio schools and 41st nationally. That's actually below Ohio's state median of $40,556 by nearly $7,000, which matters when comparing to other in-state options. The earnings trajectory is encouraging, growing from $34,707 to $41,518 over four years, but graduates are still making about $6,000 less after four years than what their peers at Ohio State earn right out of the gate.

The $26,000 debt load is manageable and slightly below both state and national medians. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.75, graduates owe roughly nine months of their first-year salary—a reasonable burden that most can handle with standard repayment plans. The 85% admission rate suggests this is an accessible option for students who might not qualify for more selective programs.

For families looking at Ohio schools, this program works as a fallback option rather than a destination choice. If your student is considering liberal arts at Ohio University, they should know they're trading lower earnings potential for the broader campus experience and alumni network of a flagship institution. The debt won't crush them, but the earnings lag behind better-performing in-state alternatives like Ohio State or Xavier will compound over time.