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
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 | $30,682 | $40,267 | +31% |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6,178 | $30,682 | $40,267 | $25,000 | 0.81 | |
| $69,330 | $39,203 | $42,073 | $19,000 | 0.48 | |
| $31,440 | $37,636 | $34,807 | $27,625 | 0.73 | |
| $49,100 | $36,602 | $43,225 | $27,000 | 0.74 | |
| $7,278 | $36,190 | $46,978 | $24,094 | 0.67 | |
| $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 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.