Business Administration, Management and Operations at Ohio University-Southern Campus

Ohio University-Southern Campus's business associate's program shows earnings that start slightly above national norms but then decline by about $3,400 over four years—an unusual pattern that warrants attention. While first-year earnings of $36,935 beat the national median by nearly $3,000, the program falls below the Ohio state median and ranks in just the 40th percentile among Ohio business programs. That's a meaningful gap considering Ohio's community colleges like Sinclair and Cincinnati State are placing graduates into jobs paying $45,000+, roughly 35% more than what graduates here earn by year four.

The debt picture is reasonable at $12,750—about $3,300 below the state median—but here's the catch: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, making these numbers less reliable than typical program data. The declining earnings trajectory could reflect graduates moving from initial full-time work into part-time employment, returning to school, or facing limited local job market options in southeastern Ohio. Without more data points, it's hard to know if this pattern is real or just statistical noise.

For families in the Ironton area seeking an affordable local option, this program offers manageable debt and beats national averages initially. But if your student can commute to or relocate near Columbus or Cincinnati, Ohio's stronger business programs consistently deliver earnings that justify the investment more clearly.