Analysis
Ohio University-Chillicothe's accounting program launches graduates into strong earning positions, with first-year salaries of $61,856 that place them well above national norms. What's particularly notable is that these earnings exceed both the national median by 15% and outpace 79% of accounting programs nationwide. Within Ohio, this regional campus holds its own at the 60th percentile—a solid middle-of-the-pack showing that trails only flagship universities and elite private schools like Case Western Reserve and Miami. With $26,000 in typical debt, students graduate with manageable obligations equivalent to just 42% of first-year income, right in line with state averages.
The earnings trajectory looks healthy, growing 13% to reach $70,020 by year four. That's steady career progression in a field where accountants typically advance as they complete their CPA requirements and gain experience. For a regional campus that serves primarily local students (as evidenced by the relatively low Pell percentage suggesting a commuter-focused population), these outcomes are impressive—graduates are earning nearly as much as their counterparts from Ohio State's main campus while likely paying significantly less in tuition.
The value proposition here is straightforward: accessible accounting education that delivers reliably strong results. Parents looking at the $300+ premium regional campuses shouldn't dismiss this option—the earnings data shows Chillicothe graduates compete effectively in Ohio's job market.
Where Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Ohio University-Chillicothe 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 University-Chillicothe Campus | $61,856 | $70,020 | +13% |
| Case Western Reserve University | $67,830 | $78,857 | +16% |
| Ohio State University-Main Campus | $62,399 | $77,705 | +25% |
| Miami University-Oxford | $67,743 | $77,503 | +14% |
| John Carroll University | $62,145 | $75,037 | +21% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (57 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6,178 | $61,856 | $70,020 | $26,000 | 0.42 | |
| $64,671 | $67,830 | $78,857 | $25,000 | 0.37 | |
| $17,809 | $67,743 | $77,503 | $23,000 | 0.34 | |
| $47,600 | $65,127 | $72,243 | $27,000 | 0.41 | |
| $12,859 | $62,399 | $77,705 | $23,284 | 0.37 | |
| $49,100 | $62,145 | $75,037 | $27,000 | 0.43 | |
| National Median | — | $53,694 | — | $25,000 | 0.47 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with accounting graduates
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Financial and Investment Analysts
Financial Risk Specialists
Financial Examiners
Budget Analysts
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Accountants and Auditors
Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
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 University-Chillicothe Campus, approximately 16% 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 105 graduates with reported earnings and 121 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.