Analysis
Ohio State Newark's psychology program outperforms most peers in the state while keeping debt manageable, ranking in the 60th percentile among Ohio psychology programs with starting salaries of $32,276. More importantly, graduates see impressive 38% earnings growth by year four, reaching $44,475—a trajectory that distinguishes this program from many psychology degrees that plateau early. With debt of $22,145, graduates face a reasonable 0.69 debt-to-earnings ratio that improves significantly as incomes rise.
The program's strength lies in its combination of steady earnings growth and below-average debt compared to the state median of $25,000. While top-tier private schools like Kenyon ($39,203) offer higher starting salaries, OSU Newark provides solid value without the premium price tag. The 34% Pell grant rate indicates the program serves students from diverse economic backgrounds while still delivering results above state averages.
For parents weighing this investment, OSU Newark psychology offers a compelling middle path: reliable earnings progression, manageable debt, and performance that beats most Ohio competitors. The robust sample size gives confidence these numbers reflect actual outcomes rather than statistical noise.
Where Ohio State University-Newark Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Ohio State University-Newark 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-Newark 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-Newark CampusNewark | $9,212 | $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-Newark Campus, approximately 34% 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.