Est. Earnings (1yr)
$40,556
Est. from OH median (25 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$27,625
Est. from OH median (4 programs)

Analysis

A debt load of roughly $27,600 against first-year earnings around $40,500 creates a manageable starting point—the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.68 sits comfortably below the concerning 1.0 threshold. Based on similar liberal arts programs at Ohio private colleges, Mount St. Joseph appears positioned near the state median for both outcomes, though it's worth noting these are estimates drawn from peer institutions rather than tracked outcomes from this specific program.

The earnings figure aligns closely with Ohio's typical liberal arts graduate ($40,556) and exceeds the national median ($36,340), suggesting the state's job market treats these degrees reasonably well. However, several Ohio schools with reported data—Xavier, Antioch, and Ohio State—show their liberal arts graduates earning $43,000 to $47,000 in year one, demonstrating that program choice within the state matters considerably. The relatively modest debt estimate helps offset the middle-tier earnings projection, but parents should recognize they're evaluating a program without its own performance record.

For families weighing this investment, the key question is whether a general liberal arts degree serves their student's specific career path. The financial picture suggests neither red flags nor exceptional value—it's workable debt for moderate early earnings. Given the data limitations, parents should directly ask Mount St. Joseph about recent graduate outcomes, job placement support, and how this program compares to their more specialized majors that might offer clearer career trajectories.

Where Mount St. Joseph University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (61 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Mount St. Joseph UniversityCincinnati$36,650$40,556*$27,625*
Xavier UniversityCincinnati$48,125$47,064*$58,310$23,250*0.49
Antioch UniversityYellow Springs$46,487*$44,094$29,832*0.64
Ohio State University-Main CampusColumbus$12,859$43,393*$38,118$21,250*0.49
Kent State University at East LiverpoolEast Liverpool$7,272$41,205*$43,439$31,963*0.78
Kent State University at AshtabulaAshtabula$7,272$41,205*$43,439$31,963*0.78
National Median$36,340*$27,000*0.74
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities graduates

Postsecondary Teachers, All Other

All postsecondary teachers not listed separately.

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 Mount St. Joseph University, approximately 27% 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 median of 25 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.