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Best Value Human Resources Management and Services Colleges in Ohio

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Ohio State University graduates with Human Resources Management degrees earn $47,260 annually while paying just $12,859 in-state tuition, making it one of the most efficient pathways to HR careers in the state. This advantage becomes clear when comparing costs across Ohio's 20 programs, which range from $6,133 at Ohio University-Lancaster to $32,342 at Xavier University. The earnings potential varies significantly too, spanning from $36,401 to $49,468, with Xavier graduates commanding the highest salaries. Ohio's major employers like Cleveland Clinic, Honda, and Ohio State Wexner Medical Center create strong demand for HR professionals who can navigate complex organizational structures and employee relations. Public universities dominate the value proposition, with Youngstown State offering the strongest combination of low net cost ($11,877) and solid earnings ($41,937). The state's manufacturing heritage and growing healthcare sector provide HR graduates with opportunities across traditional industries and emerging fields.
35
Programs
$4,503 – $32,342
Net Price Range
$44,046
Avg. Program Earnings
50.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

35 Human Resources Management and Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $11,877 $41,937 $10,791 52.9% 80.6%
2 $14,981 $48,563 $12,799 48.2% 82.9%
3 $15,216 $42,235 $11,188 45.9% 95.2%
4 $18,292 $47,260 $12,859 87.7% 52.7%
5 $17,460 $42,402 $12,377 55.6% 92.2%
6 $16,065 $36,401 $12,613 48.9% 85.3%
7 $17,430 $38,289 $36,298 49.5% 96.3%
8 $22,605 $47,981 $9,577 30.3%
9 $21,596 $44,384 $28,930 38.1% 60.4%
10 $23,156 $41,789 $13,570 71.5% 86.2%
11 $27,654 $47,846 $37,938 68.6% 77.0%
12 $32,342 $49,468 $48,125 70.5% 84.5%
13 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
14 $20,918 $14,081 62.8% 78.7%
15 $21,607 $23,700 35.7%
16 $22,872 $30,962 55.1% 88.1%
17 $20,004 $34,595 61.7% 72.5%
18 $18,027 $37,860 53.2% 85.1%
19 $23,722 $38,778 36.7% 62.9%
20 $23,758 $32,400 43.0% 82.8%
21 $22,140 $34,899 68.9% 83.7%
22 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
23 $20,413 $13,746 66.4% 86.5%
24 $19,614 $12,846 65.5% 88.0%
25 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
26 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
27 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
28 $23,731 $39,646 62.6% 86.0%
29 $20,477 $32,606 36.6% 78.5%
30 $16,135 $36,650 54.7% 54.4%
31 $21,812 $35,524 63.6% 85.3%
32 $22,539 $35,400 64.9% 75.8%
33 $27,662 $17,809 81.8% 87.9%
34 $28,617 $49,100 76.5% 82.4%
35 $21,296 $36,032 41.9% 54.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Ohio State University stand out for HR value?

Ohio State combines strong earning potential with reasonable costs, producing graduates who earn $47,260 annually while paying $12,859 in-state tuition. The university maintains an 87.70% graduation rate, the highest among Ohio's HR programs. With acceptance at 52.72%, it's also the most selective program, suggesting rigorous academic standards that translate to career success.

How do public and private HR programs compare in Ohio?

Public universities offer significantly better value, with in-state costs averaging under $15,000 compared to private schools that can exceed $40,000. Xavier University represents the premium option at $48,125 sticker price, though its graduates earn the highest salaries at $49,468. Public options like University of Akron provide strong earnings of $48,563 at just $12,799 in-state cost.

Does graduation rate impact HR career prospects in Ohio?

Graduation rates vary dramatically across Ohio HR programs, from 13.70% at Ohio University-Lancaster to 87.70% at Ohio State. Higher graduation rates generally correlate with better career outcomes, as seen at University of Cincinnati with its 71.50% graduation rate and strong regional employer connections. Programs with completion rates above 60% typically place graduates in stable HR positions.

What salary range can HR graduates expect in Ohio?

HR graduates across Ohio's programs earn between $36,401 and $49,468 annually in their early careers. Xavier University leads in earnings at $49,468, followed closely by Franklin University at $47,981 and University of Akron at $48,563. Even lower-cost options like Youngstown State produce graduates earning $41,937, demonstrating solid return on investment.

Where do Ohio HR graduates find the best job opportunities?

Ohio's major metropolitan areas offer the strongest HR job markets, with Cleveland Clinic, Honda, and Ohio State Wexner Medical Center leading regional employers. Cincinnati and Columbus provide the highest concentration of corporate headquarters requiring HR professionals. Manufacturing centers throughout the state also create demand for HR specialists who understand industrial relations and workforce management.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.