Analysis
Ohio University-Zanesville's industrial engineering program produces outcomes that sit right at Ohio's median despite falling in the 25th percentile nationally. With first-year earnings of $70,199 and manageable debt of $27,000, graduates see a 0.38 debt-to-earnings ratioβmeaning they'd owe less than 40% of their first year's salary. The program holds steady earnings-wise against other Ohio University campuses, all reporting identical median figures around $70,000, while Ohio State grads pull ahead at $81,000.
The caveat here matters: fewer than 30 graduates provided this data, so these numbers could shift significantly year to year. That small sample size makes it difficult to predict whether your child would experience similar outcomes. The 6% earnings growth from year one to year four is modest, suggesting this field rewards experience but not dramatically in the early career stages.
For families prioritizing accessible location and lower debt loads, this represents a viable path into industrial engineering. The degree costs less than the national median while delivering earnings that match Ohio's middle-of-the-pack performance. However, if maximizing earning potential justifies the commute, Ohio State's program shows a $10,000 annual earnings advantage that would compound over a career. The question becomes whether staying local is worth accepting middle-tier outcomes in a field where top programs deliver notably more.
Where Ohio University-Zanesville Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all industrial engineering 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 | $70,199 | $74,580 | +6% |
| Ohio State University-Main Campus | $80,876 | $95,405 | +18% |
| Ohio University-Eastern Campus | $70,199 | $74,580 | +6% |
| Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus | $70,199 | $74,580 | +6% |
| Ohio University-Main Campus | $70,199 | $74,580 | +6% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Industrial Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (9 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6,178 | $70,199 | $74,580 | $27,000 | 0.38 | |
| $12,859 | $80,876 | $95,405 | $21,875 | 0.27 | |
| $13,746 | $70,199 | $74,580 | $27,000 | 0.38 | |
| $6,178 | $70,199 | $74,580 | $27,000 | 0.38 | |
| $6,178 | $70,199 | $74,580 | $27,000 | 0.38 | |
| $6,178 | $70,199 | $74,580 | $27,000 | 0.38 | |
| National Median | β | $74,709 | β | $24,889 | 0.33 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with industrial engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Industrial Production Managers
Quality Control Systems Managers
Geothermal Production Managers
Biofuels Production Managers
Biomass Power Plant Managers
Hydroelectric Production Managers
Industrial Engineers
Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists
Validation Engineers
Manufacturing Engineers
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 24 graduates with reported earnings and 28 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.