Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences at Otterbein University

Otterbein's Health Sciences program shows dramatically different outcomes depending on where graduates land in their first job. While first-year earnings of $30,581 trail both Ohio and national medians by roughly $5,000, the trajectory tells a more complex story—by year four, median earnings jump to $65,592, nearly doubling the national benchmark. This suggests many graduates start in lower-paying entry roles (medical assistant, health screener) before transitioning into better positions, possibly after obtaining additional certifications or experience.

The $27,000 debt load is manageable relative to that first-year income, but it's the small sample size—fewer than 30 graduates tracked—that matters most here. These numbers could represent a handful of exceptional outcomes rather than what your student should expect. The 40th percentile ranking among Ohio programs (middle of the pack in-state) reinforces that this isn't a standout option compared to alternatives like Mercy College of Ohio, whose graduates earn $65,000 right out of the gate.

For families weighing this program, the real question is whether your student will be among those who successfully navigate that early-career transition. If they're uncertain about their specific health services career path or may need graduate school anyway, starting at a lower-cost institution might preserve financial flexibility. The debt itself isn't alarming, but graduating into a $30,000 salary with unclear advancement prospects requires careful planning.