Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at Ohio University-Southern Campus

Ohio University-Southern's geosciences program sits right at the state median for earnings but comes with notably lower debt than typical Ohio programs—$19,500 versus the state median of $24,757. That's a meaningful advantage. While $38,637 in first-year earnings trails the national benchmark by about $1,000 and falls well below flagship programs like Ohio State ($41,156), the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.50 is manageable, particularly for a regional campus. What's striking is that this program ranks in the 60th percentile statewide despite identical median earnings to the state average, suggesting Ohio's geosciences programs cluster tightly around similar outcomes.

The main concern is the modest absolute starting salary. At roughly $38,600, graduates will need to budget carefully in their first years, though the lower debt load provides some breathing room compared to peers elsewhere in Ohio. The program's below-average national ranking (38th percentile) reflects geosciences being a field where institution prestige and research connections matter—regional campuses typically can't match the industry networks of R1 universities.

For families prioritizing affordability in a STEM field, this represents a practical path into geosciences without excessive debt. Just understand that the salary ceiling appears lower than what flagship programs deliver, and career advancement may require additional credentials or strategic networking to compensate for the regional campus starting point.