Human Resources Management and Services at Youngstown State University

Youngstown State's HR program sits exactly at Ohio's median for first-year earnings ($45,244), which places it in the 60th percentile statewide—a respectable middle-of-the-pack position among 35 Ohio programs. However, nationally, these graduates trail typical HR program outcomes by about $5,000 annually, landing in just the 19th percentile. The debt load of $23,018 is actually lighter than both state and national averages, yielding a manageable 0.51 debt-to-earnings ratio that most graduates should handle comfortably.

What's encouraging is the earnings trajectory: income jumps 32% by year four to nearly $60,000, suggesting graduates build valuable experience and move into better-paying roles. That's solid career progression for a field where relationship-building and institutional knowledge matter. Still, even at that four-year mark, graduates remain well behind top Ohio programs like Walsh ($80,566) or Ohio State ($58,991).

The practical reality: This program works for students prioritizing affordability and in-state options, especially those who might struggle to gain admission elsewhere. You're trading lower upfront earnings for reasonable debt and steady growth potential. Just know that your child will likely start behind peers from more selective programs—though the small sample size here (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift significantly year to year.