Business Administration, Management and Operations at Ohio University-Zanesville Campus
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Ohio University-Zanesville's business program delivers surprisingly strong initial earnings that significantly outperform national expectations, with graduates earning $57,006 in their first year—89th percentile nationally and well above both the national median ($45,703) and Ohio median ($45,641). The debt burden is manageable at $25,000, creating a favorable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44 that's better than many business programs.
However, there's a concerning pattern here: earnings actually decline by 6% from year one to year four, dropping to $53,818. This "early peak" trajectory suggests graduates may start in higher-paying roles but face limited advancement opportunities or economic headwinds in the region. While the program ranks in the 60th percentile within Ohio (decent but not exceptional), it's notably behind the state's top performers like Miami University ($67,823) and Ohio State ($61,423).
The practical takeaway is that this program offers solid initial job prospects with reasonable debt, making it a defensible choice for students seeking immediate employment after graduation. However, parents should understand that long-term earning potential appears limited, and graduates may need to be proactive about career advancement or consider relocating for better opportunities. The strong sample size gives confidence in these figures.
Where Ohio University-Zanesville Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Ohio University-Zanesville Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally
Ohio University-Zanesville Campus graduates earn $57k, placing them in the 89th percentile of all business administration, management and operations bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (64 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio University-Zanesville Campus | $57,006 | $53,818 | $25,000 | 0.44 |
| Miami University-Oxford | $67,823 | $84,103 | $25,000 | 0.37 |
| University of Dayton | $63,897 | $75,643 | $23,364 | 0.37 |
| Ohio State University-Main Campus | $61,423 | $73,933 | $23,250 | 0.38 |
| Bowling Green State University-Main Campus | $60,807 | $70,489 | $25,000 | 0.41 |
| University of Cincinnati-Main Campus | $60,360 | $77,827 | $23,452 | 0.39 |
| National Median | $45,703 | — | $26,000 | 0.57 |
Other Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs in Ohio
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Ohio schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami University-Oxford Oxford | $17,809 | $67,823 | $25,000 |
| University of Dayton Dayton | $47,600 | $63,897 | $23,364 |
| Ohio State University-Main Campus Columbus | $12,859 | $61,423 | $23,250 |
| Bowling Green State University-Main Campus Bowling Green | $14,081 | $60,807 | $25,000 |
| University of Cincinnati-Main Campus Cincinnati | $13,570 | $60,360 | $23,452 |
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 602 graduates with reported earnings and 625 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.