Median Earnings (1yr)
$32,276
56th percentile (60th in OH)
Median Debt
$22,145
13% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.69
Manageable
Sample Size
479
Adequate data

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

Ohio State University-Newark CampusOther psychology programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Ohio State University-Newark Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally

Ohio State University-Newark Campus graduates earn $32k, placing them in the 56th percentile of all psychology bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (74 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Ohio State University-Newark Campus$32,276$44,475$22,1450.69
Kenyon College$39,203$42,073$19,0000.48
Muskingum University$37,636$34,807$27,6250.73
John Carroll University$36,602$43,225$27,0000.74
Miami University-Hamilton$36,190$46,978$24,0940.67
Miami University-Middletown$36,190$46,978$24,0940.67
National Median$31,482$25,5000.81

Other Psychology Programs in Ohio

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Ohio schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Kenyon College
Gambier
$69,330$39,203$19,000
Muskingum University
New Concord
$31,440$37,636$27,625
John Carroll University
University Heights
$49,100$36,602$27,000
Miami University-Hamilton
Hamilton
$7,278$36,190$24,094
Miami University-Middletown
Middletown
$7,278$36,190$24,094

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.