Analysis
Ohio University-Zanesville's Fine Arts program outperforms expectations for studio arts degrees, placing in the 75th percentile nationallyβno small feat for a field where typical graduates earn less than $25,000 their first year. With starting earnings of $29,053 and relatively modest debt at $26,000, graduates face a more manageable financial picture than most of their peers. Within Ohio, this program ranks in the 60th percentile and matches the earnings of several larger state universities, though it trails Bowling Green by about $2,000.
The 12% earnings growth over four years suggests steady career progression rather than stagnation, and the debt-to-earnings ratio under 0.9 means graduates aren't drowning in payments relative to what they make. That said, studio arts remains a challenging career path financiallyβeven strong performers in this field earn well below the national average for bachelor's degrees overall.
For a student genuinely committed to pursuing art, this program offers better-than-typical outcomes without crushing debt. The low Pell grant percentage (10%) suggests limited economic diversity on campus, which may matter for students seeking financial aid. If your child is serious about studio arts and you're comparing Ohio options, this campus delivers competitive results at what's likely a lower price point than flagship universities.
Where Ohio University-Zanesville Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all fine and studio arts 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 | $29,053 | $32,660 | +12% |
| Miami University-Oxford | $24,912 | $40,951 | +64% |
| Youngstown State University | $29,203 | $34,931 | +20% |
| Ohio State University-Main Campus | $29,186 | $34,926 | +20% |
| Columbus College of Art & Design | $25,751 | $34,559 | +34% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Fine and Studio Arts bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (59 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6,178 | $29,053 | $32,660 | $26,000 | 0.89 | |
| $14,081 | $31,128 | $32,187 | $27,000 | 0.87 | |
| $13,570 | $29,431 | $28,618 | $28,943 | 0.98 | |
| $10,791 | $29,203 | $34,931 | $31,000 | 1.06 | |
| $12,859 | $29,186 | $34,926 | $26,849 | 0.92 | |
| $6,178 | $29,053 | $32,660 | $26,000 | 0.89 | |
| National Median | β | $24,742 | β | $25,295 | 1.02 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with fine and studio arts graduates
Art Directors
Special Effects Artists and Animators
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Archivists
Curators
Museum Technicians and Conservators
Craft Artists
Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators
Artists and Related Workers, All Other
Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers
Gem and Diamond Workers
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 50 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.