Human Resources Management and Services at University of Akron Main Campus

Graduates of University of Akron's HR program earn about $10,000 more than the typical Ohio HR graduate right out of school, ranking in the 60th percentile among Ohio programs. With debt of just $20,750—well below both the state and national median—this creates a much more favorable financial picture than what most students in this field face. That 0.40 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe less than half their first-year salary, giving them breathing room that peers at other programs don't enjoy.

The earnings trajectory shows steady, if unspectacular, growth to $55,723 by year four. You won't see the dramatic jumps that specialized business programs sometimes deliver, but HR careers tend to reward longevity and professional development over time. What's notable here is how Akron manages to outperform pricier private options in Ohio while keeping costs down—graduates leave with roughly $5,000 less debt than the state median.

For families looking at HR programs in Ohio, this represents solid middle-ground value: above-average earnings for the state paired with below-average debt. The program won't compete with Walsh or Ohio State's outcomes, but it costs considerably less to attend while still delivering earnings that surpass the state median by double digits.