Cheapest Human Resources Management and Services Colleges in Ohio

Ohio University's regional campuses dominate the most affordable end of Human Resources Management and Services education, with the Eastern Campus charging just $4,503 annually while maintaining the same $25,000 debt load as its sister schools. The five Ohio University branches occupy the top cost positions, all priced under $6,500, though their graduation rates lag significantly behind full universities in the state. This creates an interesting trade-off for students entering a field where Ohio's major employers like Cleveland Clinic and Honda actively recruit HR professionals. The earnings gap tells a compelling story, with University of Akron graduates earning $48,563 compared to Cleveland State's $36,401, despite Cleveland State charging slightly more at $16,065 net cost. Ohio's manufacturing backbone and expanding healthcare sector provide steady demand for HR expertise, making even the lower-cost options potentially worthwhile investments for students willing to navigate varying completion rates.

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	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Ohio University-Eastern Campus Saint Clairsville, Ohio	$4,503	$6,178	20.0%
2	Ohio University-Southern Campus Ironton, Ohio	$5,328	$6,178	19.3%
3	Ohio University-Zanesville Campus Zanesville, Ohio	$5,971	$6,178	17.7%
4	Ohio University-Lancaster Campus Lancaster, Ohio	$6,133	$6,178	13.7%
5	Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus Chillicothe, Ohio	$6,483	$6,178	12.1%
6	Youngstown State University Youngstown, Ohio	$11,877	$10,791	52.9%	80.6%
7	University of Akron Main Campus Akron, Ohio	$14,981	$12,799	48.2%	82.9%
8	Wright State University-Main Campus Dayton, Ohio	$15,216	$11,188	45.9%	95.2%
9	Cleveland State University Cleveland, Ohio	$16,065	$12,613	48.9%	85.3%
10	Mount St. Joseph University Cincinnati, Ohio	$16,135	$36,650	54.7%	54.4%
11	Bluffton University Bluffton, Ohio	$17,430	$36,298	49.5%	96.3%
12	University of Toledo Toledo, Ohio	$17,460	$12,377	55.6%	92.2%
13	Ursuline College Pepper Pike, Ohio	$18,027	$37,860	53.2%	85.1%
14	Ohio State University-Main Campus Columbus, Ohio	$18,292	$12,859	87.7%	52.7%
15	Kent State University at Kent Kent, Ohio	$19,614	$12,846	65.5%	88.0%
16	Walsh University North Canton, Ohio	$20,004	$34,595	61.7%	72.5%
17	Ohio University-Main Campus Athens, Ohio	$20,413	$13,746	66.4%	86.5%
18	Notre Dame College Cleveland, Ohio	$20,477	$32,606	36.6%	78.5%
19	Bowling Green State University-Main Campus Bowling Green, Ohio	$20,918	$14,081	62.8%	78.7%
20	Lake Erie College Painesville, Ohio	$21,296	$36,032	41.9%	54.1%
21	Lourdes University Sylvania, Ohio	$21,596	$28,930	38.1%	60.4%
22	Ohio Christian University Circleville, Ohio	$21,607	$23,700	35.7%
23	Mount Vernon Nazarene University Mount Vernon, Ohio	$21,812	$35,524	63.6%	85.3%
24	Otterbein University Westerville, Ohio	$22,140	$34,899	68.9%	83.7%
25	University of Mount Union Alliance, Ohio	$22,539	$35,400	64.9%	75.8%
26	Franklin University Columbus, Ohio	$22,605	$9,577	30.3%
27	Wilmington College Wilmington, Ohio	$22,872	$30,962	55.1%	88.1%
28	University of Cincinnati-Main Campus Cincinnati, Ohio	$23,156	$13,570	71.5%	86.2%
29	Defiance College Defiance, Ohio	$23,722	$38,778	36.7%	62.9%
30	The University of Findlay Findlay, Ohio	$23,731	$39,646	62.6%	86.0%
31	Tiffin University Tiffin, Ohio	$23,758	$32,400	43.0%	82.8%
32	Baldwin Wallace University Berea, Ohio	$27,654	$37,938	68.6%	77.0%
33	Miami University-Oxford Oxford, Ohio	$27,662	$17,809	81.8%	87.9%
34	John Carroll University University Heights, Ohio	$28,617	$49,100	76.5%	82.4%
35	Xavier University Cincinnati, Ohio	$32,342	$48,125	70.5%	84.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $12,000+ cost difference between Ohio University regional campuses and full universities?

Ohio University's five regional campuses charge between $4,503 and $6,483 annually because they operate as commuter-focused branch locations with limited campus amenities and course offerings. These campuses share resources with the main Athens campus but provide local access to degree programs. However, their graduation rates range from just 12.10% to 20.00%, significantly lower than full universities like Ohio State at 87.70%. The trade-off involves lower upfront costs but potentially longer degree completion times.

How do earnings vary among Ohio HR graduates, and which schools provide the best return?

University of Akron leads in graduate earnings at $48,563, followed closely by Ohio State at $47,260, while Cleveland State graduates earn $36,401 despite similar program costs. The $12,162 earnings gap between top and bottom performers represents substantial long-term value differences. University of Akron charges $14,981 annually and maintains a 48.20% graduation rate, making it a strong middle-ground option. Students should weigh the higher graduation rates at full universities against the immediate cost savings of regional campuses.

Is Ohio State University worth the higher cost compared to other public options?

Ohio State charges $18,292 annually but delivers an 87.70% graduation rate and $47,260 in graduate earnings, both significantly above state averages. The university's Columbus location provides direct access to state government HR positions and corporate headquarters. While students pay roughly $7,000 more than Youngstown State, they benefit from Ohio State's extensive alumni network and reputation with major employers like Nationwide and American Electric Power. The 52.72% acceptance rate also means admission requires stronger academic credentials than most alternatives.

Does the Ohio College Opportunity Grant significantly reduce costs for HR students?

The Ohio College Opportunity Grant provides need-based aid that can reduce net costs at public universities, though the amounts vary by institution and student circumstances. Students at public universities like Wright State ($15,216 net cost) and Cleveland State ($16,065) benefit from both state grants and lower base tuition rates compared to private options. Private universities like Mount St. Joseph list $36,650 sticker prices but often provide institutional aid to reach competitive net costs around $16,135. The grant works alongside federal aid and institutional scholarships to create the final net price calculations.

Where do Ohio HR graduates typically find employment after graduation?

Ohio's manufacturing sector, anchored by companies like Honda and Goodyear, creates steady demand for HR professionals to manage large workforces and labor relations. Healthcare systems including Cleveland Clinic and Ohio State Wexner Medical Center actively recruit graduates for specialized roles in benefits administration and compliance. The state's insurance industry, concentrated in Columbus, offers additional opportunities in compensation analysis and employee relations. Government positions at state and local levels provide stable career paths, particularly for graduates from universities near the capital like Ohio State.

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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.