Median Earnings (1yr)
$59,305
72nd percentile
60th percentile in Ohio
Median Debt
$25,000
7% above national median

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

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

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Ohio University-Zanesville Campus$59,305$75,600+27%
Miami University-Oxford$71,203$88,554+24%
Ohio State University-Main Campus$65,181$82,036+26%
Case Western Reserve University$65,784$77,380+18%
Ohio University-Eastern Campus$59,305$75,600+27%

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

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

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Ohio University-Zanesville CampusZanesville$6,178$59,305$75,600$25,0000.42
Miami University-OxfordOxford$17,809$71,203$88,554$22,0000.31
Case Western Reserve UniversityCleveland$64,671$65,784$77,380$26,0480.40
Ohio State University-Main CampusColumbus$12,859$65,181$82,036$20,5000.31
University of DaytonDayton$47,600$64,371$73,975$22,7500.35
Franklin UniversityColumbus$9,577$61,645$57,012$33,9490.55
National Median$53,590$23,3320.44

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with finance and financial management services graduates

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Executives

Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Sustainability Officers

Communicate and coordinate with management, shareholders, customers, and employees to address sustainability issues. Enact or oversee a corporate sustainability strategy.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

General and Operations Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Usually manage through subordinate supervisors. Excludes First-Line Supervisors.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Personal Financial Advisors

Advise clients on financial plans using knowledge of tax and investment strategies, securities, insurance, pension plans, and real estate. Duties include assessing clients' assets, liabilities, cash flow, insurance coverage, tax status, and financial objectives. May also buy and sell financial assets for clients.

$102,140/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial and Investment Analysts

Conduct quantitative analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of public or private institutions, including valuation of businesses.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Risk Specialists

Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Budget Analysts

Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.

$87,930/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Insurance Underwriters

Review individual applications for insurance to evaluate degree of risk involved and determine acceptance of applications.

$79,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
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.