Analysis
Ohio University-Zanesville's accounting program punches above its weight nationally, placing graduates in the 79th percentile for earnings at $61,856—well ahead of the $53,694 national median. Within Ohio, it holds its own at the 60th percentile, sitting just below flagship programs like Ohio State while beating more than half of the state's 57 accounting options. The $26,000 debt load matches both state and national medians precisely, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 that's quite manageable for an accounting graduate.
The trajectory looks solid: earnings grow 13% to $70,020 by year four, suggesting these graduates are establishing themselves in stable career paths. That puts them within striking distance of elite Ohio programs that cost significantly more. While this regional campus won't match Case Western or Miami University's numbers, it delivers strong value for students who need the accessibility of a branch campus.
For parents weighing cost versus outcome, this program offers a practical path into accounting without the debt burden that often comes with larger universities. The robust sample size (100+ graduates) confirms these aren't outliers—this is a reliable launching point for accounting careers that outperforms expectations for a regional campus.
Where Ohio University-Zanesville Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Ohio University-Zanesville Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio University-Zanesville Campus | $61,856 | $70,020 | +13% |
| Case Western Reserve University | $67,830 | $78,857 | +16% |
| Ohio State University-Main Campus | $62,399 | $77,705 | +25% |
| Miami University-Oxford | $67,743 | $77,503 | +14% |
| John Carroll University | $62,145 | $75,037 | +21% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (57 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Ohio University-Zanesville CampusZanesville | $6,178 | $61,856 | $70,020 | $26,000 | 0.42 |
 Case Western Reserve UniversityCleveland | $64,671 | $67,830 | $78,857 | $25,000 | 0.37 |
 Miami University-OxfordOxford | $17,809 | $67,743 | $77,503 | $23,000 | 0.34 |
 University of DaytonDayton | $47,600 | $65,127 | $72,243 | $27,000 | 0.41 |
 Ohio State University-Main CampusColumbus | $12,859 | $62,399 | $77,705 | $23,284 | 0.37 |
 John Carroll UniversityUniversity Heights | $49,100 | $62,145 | $75,037 | $27,000 | 0.43 |
| National Median | — | $53,694 | — | $25,000 | 0.47 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with accounting graduates
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Financial and Investment Analysts
Financial Risk Specialists
Financial Examiners
Budget Analysts
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Accountants and Auditors
Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
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-Zanesville Campus, approximately 10% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 105 graduates with reported earnings and 121 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.