Median Earnings (1yr)
$29,053
75th percentile (60th in OH)
Median Debt
$26,000
3% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.89
Manageable
Sample Size
42
Adequate data

Analysis

Ohio University-Zanesville's Fine Arts program outperforms expectations for studio arts degrees, placing in the 75th percentile nationally—no 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 financially—even 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

Ohio University-Zanesville CampusOther fine and studio arts 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 $29k, placing them in the 75th percentile of all fine and studio arts 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

Fine and Studio Arts bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (59 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Ohio University-Zanesville Campus$29,053$32,660$26,0000.89
Bowling Green State University-Main Campus$31,128$32,187$27,0000.87
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus$29,431$28,618$28,9430.98
Youngstown State University$29,203$34,931$31,0001.06
Ohio State University-Main Campus$29,186$34,926$26,8490.92
Ohio University-Eastern Campus$29,053$32,660$26,0000.89
National Median$24,742—$25,2951.02

Other Fine and Studio Arts Programs in Ohio

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Ohio schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Bowling Green State University-Main Campus
Bowling Green
$14,081$31,128$27,000
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
Cincinnati
$13,570$29,431$28,943
Youngstown State University
Youngstown
$10,791$29,203$31,000
Ohio State University-Main Campus
Columbus
$12,859$29,186$26,849
Ohio University-Eastern Campus
Saint Clairsville
$6,178$29,053$26,000

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.