Analysis
Ohio University-Zanesville's chemistry program posts earnings that match Ohio's median exactly while keeping debt notably lower than most programs—at the 30th percentile nationally, graduates here borrow about $1,750 less than typical chemistry majors. That's a real advantage for students staying in-state, where this campus ranks in the 60th percentile for outcomes among Ohio's 53 chemistry programs.
The trajectory here stands out: graduates see their earnings jump 28% between year one and year four, reaching $55,606. That's solid momentum for a regional campus, suggesting the degree opens doors beyond entry-level lab positions. First-year earnings of $43,349 already surpass the national median, and the debt load—representing just 59% of that first paycheck—is manageable compared to programs where students owe 80-90% of their initial salary.
For families comparing options within Ohio, Zanesville delivers comparable outcomes to larger flagships at a lower debt cost. While Cleveland State and Cincinnati grads earn $4,000-5,000 more initially, they often carry heavier debt burdens. This program works particularly well for students who want a chemistry degree without the financial pressure of larger research universities, especially if they're aiming for manufacturing, quality control, or healthcare roles common in southeastern Ohio's economy.
Where Ohio University-Zanesville Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all chemistry 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 | $43,349 | $55,606 | +28% |
| University of Cincinnati-Main Campus | $47,387 | $62,319 | +32% |
| Kent State University at Kent | $39,790 | $59,546 | +50% |
| Ohio University-Eastern Campus | $43,349 | $55,606 | +28% |
| Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus | $43,349 | $55,606 | +28% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Chemistry bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (53 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6,178 | $43,349 | $55,606 | $25,751 | 0.59 | |
| $12,613 | $48,147 | $55,195 | $24,744 | 0.51 | |
| $13,570 | $47,387 | $62,319 | $23,750 | 0.50 | |
| $12,799 | $44,970 | — | $27,500 | 0.61 | |
| $14,081 | $43,840 | $55,512 | $26,000 | 0.59 | |
| $6,178 | $43,349 | $55,606 | $25,751 | 0.59 | |
| National Median | — | $42,581 | — | $24,000 | 0.56 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with chemistry graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Chemists
Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary
Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Physics Teachers, Postsecondary
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
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 42 graduates with reported earnings and 54 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.