Analysis
Ohio State's psychology program stands out for its strong earnings trajectory, with graduates seeing a robust 38% income increase from $32,276 in year one to $44,475 by year four. This growth pattern significantly outpaces what you'll find at most psychology programs, where earnings often plateau early. At the 60th percentile among Ohio psychology programs, OSU graduates earn about $1,600 more than the state median right after graduation, and this gap likely widens over time given the strong growth curve.
The debt picture is reasonable but not exceptional. At $22,145, graduate debt sits well below both national and state medians for psychology programs, though it still ranks in the 78th percentile nationally. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.69 means graduates typically owe about 8 months of their first-year salary—manageable territory that becomes even more comfortable as earnings grow.
While OSU doesn't crack the top tier of Ohio psychology programs (several smaller schools see higher starting salaries), it offers something many don't: clear upward earnings momentum combined with the resources and alumni network of a major research university. For families weighing the investment, this program delivers solid value through its combination of controlled debt levels and strong income growth potential.
Where Ohio State University-Main Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Ohio State University-Main Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio State University-Main Campus | $32,276 | $44,475 | +38% |
| University of Dayton | $32,953 | $50,757 | +54% |
| Miami University-Middletown | $36,190 | $46,978 | +30% |
| Miami University-Hamilton | $36,190 | $46,978 | +30% |
| Miami University-Oxford | $36,190 | $46,978 | +30% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (74 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Ohio State University-Main CampusColumbus | $12,859 | $32,276 | $44,475 | $22,145 | 0.69 |
 Kenyon CollegeGambier | $69,330 | $39,203 | $42,073 | $19,000 | 0.48 |
 Muskingum UniversityNew Concord | $31,440 | $37,636 | $34,807 | $27,625 | 0.73 |
 John Carroll UniversityUniversity Heights | $49,100 | $36,602 | $43,225 | $27,000 | 0.74 |
 Miami University-HamiltonHamilton | $7,278 | $36,190 | $46,978 | $24,094 | 0.67 |
| Miami University-MiddletownMiddletown | $7,278 | $36,190 | $46,978 | $24,094 | 0.67 |
| National Median | — | $31,482 | — | $25,500 | 0.81 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with psychology graduates
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
Psychologists, All Other
Neuropsychologists
Clinical Neuropsychologists
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary
Managers, All Other
Loss Prevention Managers
Social Science Research Assistants
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 Ohio State University-Main Campus, approximately 19% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 479 graduates with reported earnings and 665 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.