Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs — see details below.
Analysis
Looking at an Insurance bachelor's degree through the lens of comparable programs nationally, the numbers suggest a relatively balanced investment. Similar programs produce first-year earnings around $55,800 with typical debt loads near $22,400—translating to a 0.40 debt-to-earnings ratio that's comfortably below the threshold where repayment becomes difficult. While Cincinnati's program lacks its own reported outcomes, these national benchmarks indicate insurance graduates generally enter a stable field with manageable debt.
The challenge is that Ohio has twelve insurance programs but none with publicly available outcome data, making direct state comparisons impossible. What we do know is that insurance as a field tends to offer consistent entry-level opportunities, though without the explosive growth potential of some business specializations. The estimated $55,800 starting point isn't spectacular, but it's a reasonable foundation in a sector known for steady advancement paths and professional licensing opportunities that can significantly boost mid-career earnings.
For anxious parents, the estimated debt-to-earnings picture here isn't alarming—it's actually better than many business degrees. However, you're betting on a specialized field with limited flexibility if your student decides insurance isn't for them. The real question is whether your child has genuine interest in risk management and insurance, because the stable-but-unspectacular trajectory these numbers suggest requires commitment to the field itself.
Where University of Cincinnati-Main Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all insurance bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Insurance bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $13,570 | $55,819* | — | $22,394* | — | |
| $11,205 | $78,796* | $96,327 | $20,500* | 0.26 | |
| $50,110 | $70,752* | $85,642 | $24,125* | 0.34 | |
| $51,340 | $66,523* | $78,262 | $23,016* | 0.35 | |
| $22,082 | $66,080* | $78,623 | $26,000* | 0.39 | |
| $11,180 | $64,131* | $76,315 | $22,394* | 0.35 | |
| National Median | — | $55,819* | — | $22,728* | 0.41 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with insurance graduates
Compensation and Benefits Managers
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Insurance Underwriters
Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists
Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators
Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage
Insurance Sales Agents
Appraisers of Personal and Business Property
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 University of Cincinnati-Main Campus, approximately 18% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 20 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.