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

Ohio University-Southern's Liberal Arts program lands squarely in the middle of the pack, but that middle looks less appealing when you consider the state's stronger options. Starting at $34,707 after graduation puts graduates about $6,000 below what the typical Ohio liberal arts grad earns—and in the 40th percentile statewide. For context, comparable programs at Kent State's regional campuses start roughly $6,500 higher, while Ohio State grads begin nearly $9,000 ahead.

The debt load of $26,000 is actually lower than both state and national medians, which helps the math work slightly better than it might otherwise. That 0.75 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates are borrowing roughly nine months of their first year's salary. The 20% earnings growth over four years brings graduates closer to peer schools, but they're still starting from behind and playing catch-up.

For families weighing this program, the central question is whether the regional campus convenience justifies the earnings gap. This isn't a terrible investment—the debt is manageable and earnings do improve—but students with the option to attend Ohio State's main campus or even Kent State's regional locations would likely see better financial returns for a similar cost structure.