Analysis
Ohio University-Zanesville's Civil Engineering program lands in the middle of Ohio's offerings—at the 40th percentile statewide—but trails most competitive programs by $5,000-$10,000 annually. While first-year earnings of $63,884 lag both the state median ($66,295) and national benchmark ($69,574), the debt load of $27,000 matches the state typical and keeps the debt-to-earnings ratio at a manageable 0.42. The 10% earnings growth to nearly $70,000 by year four shows graduates gain ground, though they start behind peers at larger engineering schools like Cincinnati or Toledo.
The moderate sample size suggests this is a smaller program, which could mean more individualized attention but potentially fewer industry connections compared to Ohio's major engineering schools. For families prioritizing in-state tuition at a regional campus, this program delivers solid civil engineering credentials without excessive debt. However, students with strong academic profiles might find the $7,000-$10,000 annual earnings premium at schools like Dayton or Cincinnati worth investigating, especially if those schools offer comparable financial aid packages.
This works best for students committed to staying in the region or those who value a smaller campus environment. The debt level won't be crushing, and civil engineers remain in demand across Ohio. Just recognize you're trading some earning potential for the regional campus experience.
Where Ohio University-Zanesville Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all civil engineering 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 | $63,884 | $69,964 | +10% |
| University of Cincinnati-Main Campus | $71,377 | $80,489 | +13% |
| Ohio Northern University | $68,129 | $77,619 | +14% |
| University of Dayton | $71,411 | $74,487 | +4% |
| Ohio State University-Main Campus | $68,031 | $74,132 | +9% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Civil Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (18 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6,178 | $63,884 | $69,964 | $27,000 | 0.42 | |
| $64,671 | $74,266 | — | $25,190 | 0.34 | |
| $47,600 | $71,411 | $74,487 | $26,500 | 0.37 | |
| $13,570 | $71,377 | $80,489 | $24,500 | 0.34 | |
| $12,377 | $70,388 | $67,406 | $20,500 | 0.29 | |
| $37,800 | $68,129 | $77,619 | $25,961 | 0.38 | |
| National Median | — | $69,574 | — | $24,500 | 0.35 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with civil engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Petroleum Engineers
Environmental Engineers
Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers
Civil Engineers
Transportation Engineers
Water/Wastewater Engineers
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
Engineers, All Other
Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar
Mechatronics Engineers
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 46 graduates with reported earnings and 48 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.