Median Earnings (1yr)
$30,682
43rd percentile (60th in OH)
Median Debt
$25,000
2% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.81
Manageable
Sample Size
195
Adequate data

Analysis

Ohio University-Chillicothe's psychology program shows something many psychology degrees don't: meaningful earnings progression after graduation. While starting salaries land right at Ohio's median ($30,682), graduates see a 31% income bump by year four—reaching $40,267. That's notable momentum in a field where many bachelor's holders struggle to find career traction. At the 60th percentile among Ohio psychology programs, this outperforms most in-state competitors despite serving a regional campus population where only 16% of students receive Pell grants.

The $25,000 debt load is manageable, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.81 in the first year—reasonable for a liberal arts degree, especially given the upward trajectory. Compare this to Kenyon's psychology grads who start higher but cost significantly more, or to programs at other Ohio branches that may offer similar tuition but weaker earnings outcomes. The real question is whether your student plans to pursue graduate work, which most psychology careers eventually require.

For families prioritizing affordable access to a psychology degree with solid Ohio employment prospects, this program delivers regional value. The earnings growth pattern suggests graduates are finding work that rewards experience, whether in social services, HR, or related fields. Just understand this is a stepping stone degree—the bachelor's alone won't unlock high-paying clinical or research positions without further education.

Where Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally

Ohio University-Chillicothe 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 University-Chillicothe Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally

Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus graduates earn $31k, placing them in the 43th 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 University-Chillicothe Campus$30,682$40,267$25,0000.81
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 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 195 graduates with reported earnings and 306 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.