Urban Studies/Affairs at Ohio University-Zanesville Campus

An Urban Studies bachelor's degree at Ohio University-Zanesville carries an estimated $23,000 in student debt—slightly above the national median for this field—while similar programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $40,000. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57 is manageable by most standards, suggesting graduates could reasonably handle monthly payments while building their careers. However, it's worth noting that Ohio's Urban Studies programs tend to produce more variable outcomes than the national picture might suggest: the state median for first-year earnings is actually lower at $38,929, while debt runs considerably higher at $32,083.

The Zanesville campus serves a notably different student population than main campuses—just 10% receive Pell grants, suggesting most students come from higher-income backgrounds—which may influence both borrowing patterns and post-graduation support networks. Peer programs in this field typically lead to careers in urban planning, community development, or local government, where starting salaries are modest but growth potential exists for those who advance or pursue graduate degrees. Cleveland State's reported outcomes ($38,929) align closely with the state median, reinforcing that Ohio's Urban Studies market may be slightly cooler than the national average.

For parents considering this investment, the estimated debt load appears reasonable relative to likely earnings, but the pathway isn't as straightforward as more established professional fields. The small graduate cohort here means less certainty about outcomes, so connecting with the program about placement support and internship networks would be essential homework.