Median Earnings (1yr)
$63,884
14th percentile (40th in OH)
Median Debt
$27,000
10% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.42
Manageable
Sample Size
46
Adequate data

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

Ohio University-Zanesville CampusOther civil engineering programs

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 $64k, placing them in the 14th percentile of all civil engineering 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

Civil Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (18 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Ohio University-Zanesville Campus$63,884$69,964$27,0000.42
Case Western Reserve University$74,266—$25,1900.34
University of Dayton$71,411$74,487$26,5000.37
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus$71,377$80,489$24,5000.34
University of Toledo$70,388$67,406$20,5000.29
Ohio Northern University$68,129$77,619$25,9610.38
National Median$69,574—$24,5000.35

Other Civil Engineering Programs in Ohio

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Ohio schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland
$64,671$74,266$25,190
University of Dayton
Dayton
$47,600$71,411$26,500
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
Cincinnati
$13,570$71,377$24,500
University of Toledo
Toledo
$12,377$70,388$20,500
Ohio Northern University
Ada
$37,800$68,129$25,961

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.