Median Earnings (1yr)
$59,305
72nd percentile (60th in OH)
Median Debt
$25,000
7% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.42
Manageable
Sample Size
219
Adequate data

Analysis

Ohio University-Zanesville's finance program stands out for its remarkable earnings trajectory rather than its starting point. While first-year earnings of $59,305 sit modestly above the national median, the 28% jump to $75,600 by year four suggests graduates gain traction quickly in their careers. Among Ohio's 43 finance programs, this ranks solidly in the 60th percentile—respectable for a regional campus, though notably behind the state's flagship institutions where starting salaries typically exceed $65,000.

The debt picture here is actually quite reasonable. At $25,000, graduates carry exactly the state median and slightly more than the national benchmark, but the 0.42 debt-to-earnings ratio means most will manage payments comfortably even in that first year. More importantly, by year four when earnings have climbed past $75,000, that debt burden looks increasingly manageable.

For families seeking a finance degree without the price tag of Miami or Ohio State, this program offers a practical path forward. You're trading a lower starting salary for substantially less debt than you'd likely accumulate at higher-ranked programs. The strong earnings growth suggests employers value these graduates' skills once they've gained experience. If your child is willing to be patient through those early career years, the long-term return looks solid—just don't expect the immediate six-figure trajectory that top-tier business schools sometimes deliver.

Where Ohio University-Zanesville Campus Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all finance and financial management services bachelors's programs nationally

Ohio University-Zanesville CampusOther finance and financial management services 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 $59k, placing them in the 72th percentile of all finance and financial management services 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

Finance and Financial Management Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (43 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Ohio University-Zanesville Campus$59,305$75,600$25,0000.42
Miami University-Oxford$71,203$88,554$22,0000.31
Case Western Reserve University$65,784$77,380$26,0480.40
Ohio State University-Main Campus$65,181$82,036$20,5000.31
University of Dayton$64,371$73,975$22,7500.35
Franklin University$61,645$57,012$33,9490.55
National Median$53,590—$23,3320.44

Other Finance and Financial Management Services Programs in Ohio

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Ohio schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Miami University-Oxford
Oxford
$17,809$71,203$22,000
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland
$64,671$65,784$26,048
Ohio State University-Main Campus
Columbus
$12,859$65,181$20,500
University of Dayton
Dayton
$47,600$64,371$22,750
Franklin University
Columbus
$9,577$61,645$33,949

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 219 graduates with reported earnings and 219 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.