Median Earnings (1yr)
$37,990
57th percentile
60th percentile in Ohio
Median Debt
$23,570
11% below national median

Analysis

Ohio University-Eastern's social work program sits right at the state median for earnings—both institutions report $37,990 one year out—while managing to keep debt notably lower at $23,570 compared to the Ohio median of $26,985. That's about $3,400 less borrowed, which matters in a field where starting salaries rarely crack $40,000. The program ranks in the 60th percentile among Ohio's 41 social work programs, meaning it outperforms more schools than it trails.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62 is manageable, and graduates see decent income growth—14% by year four brings median earnings to $43,103. This growth trajectory suggests that social work careers at this campus follow typical professional development patterns. However, graduates aren't reaching the salary levels seen at programs like Capital University ($44,344) or Bowling Green ($40,959). Still, for students seeking an affordable entry point into social work, particularly those who can benefit from the regional campus setting, the lower debt burden helps offset the modest starting salary.

For families prioritizing affordability in social work education, this program delivers reasonable value. The combination of below-median debt and at-median earnings creates a safer financial foundation than many alternatives, even if it won't lead to top-tier salaries within the state.

Where Ohio University-Eastern Campus Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all social work bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Ohio University-Eastern Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Ohio University-Eastern Campus$37,990$43,103+13%
Bowling Green State University-Main Campus$40,959$45,206+10%
Cedarville University$35,967$45,097+25%
Capital University$44,344$44,174-0%
Wright State University-Main Campus$39,926$44,078+10%

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

Social Work bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (41 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Ohio University-Eastern CampusSaint Clairsville$6,178$37,990$43,103$23,5700.62
Capital UniversityColumbus$41,788$44,344$44,174$43,0380.97
Bowling Green State University-Main CampusBowling Green$14,081$40,959$45,206$27,0000.66
Wright State University-Main CampusDayton$11,188$39,926$44,078$28,2500.71
University of Cincinnati-Main CampusCincinnati$13,570$39,292$41,234$29,1250.74
University of ToledoToledo$12,377$39,254$42,056$31,0000.79
National Median$37,296$26,3620.71

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with social work graduates

Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in social work. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Social and Community Service Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization's budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers.

$78,240/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists

Provide social services to assist in rehabilitation of law offenders in custody or on probation or parole. Make recommendations for actions involving formulation of rehabilitation plan and treatment of offender, including conditional release and education and employment stipulations.

$64,520/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Marriage and Family Therapists

Diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders, whether cognitive, affective, or behavioral, within the context of marriage and family systems. Apply psychotherapeutic and family systems theories and techniques in the delivery of services to individuals, couples, and families for the purpose of treating such diagnosed nervous and mental disorders.

$63,780/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Child, Family, and School Social Workers

Provide social services and assistance to improve the social and psychological functioning of children and their families and to maximize the family well-being and the academic functioning of children. May assist parents, arrange adoptions, and find foster homes for abandoned or abused children. In schools, they address such problems as teenage pregnancy, misbehavior, and truancy. May also advise teachers.

$61,330/yrJobs growth:

Healthcare Social Workers

Provide individuals, families, and groups with the psychosocial support needed to cope with chronic, acute, or terminal illnesses. Services include advising family caregivers. Provide patients with information and counseling, and make referrals for other services. May also provide case and care management or interventions designed to promote health, prevent disease, and address barriers to access to healthcare.

$61,330/yrJobs growth:

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers

Assess and treat individuals with mental, emotional, or substance abuse problems, including abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drugs. Activities may include individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, case management, client advocacy, prevention, and education.

$61,330/yrJobs growth:

Social Workers, All Other

All social workers not listed separately.

$61,330/yrJobs growth:

Counselors, All Other

All counselors not listed separately.

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-Eastern Campus, approximately 9% 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 90 graduates with reported earnings and 142 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.