Median Earnings (1yr)
$37,990
57th percentile (60th in OH)
Median Debt
$23,570
11% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.62
Manageable
Sample Size
90
Adequate data

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

Ohio University-Eastern CampusOther social work 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-Eastern Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally

Ohio University-Eastern Campus graduates earn $38k, placing them in the 57th percentile of all social work 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

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

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Ohio University-Eastern Campus$37,990$43,103$23,5700.62
Capital University$44,344$44,174$43,0380.97
Bowling Green State University-Main Campus$40,959$45,206$27,0000.66
Wright State University-Main Campus$39,926$44,078$28,2500.71
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus$39,292$41,234$29,1250.74
University of Toledo$39,254$42,056$31,0000.79
National Median$37,296—$26,3620.71

Other Social Work Programs in Ohio

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Ohio schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Capital University
Columbus
$41,788$44,344$43,038
Bowling Green State University-Main Campus
Bowling Green
$14,081$40,959$27,000
Wright State University-Main Campus
Dayton
$11,188$39,926$28,250
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
Cincinnati
$13,570$39,292$29,125
University of Toledo
Toledo
$12,377$39,254$31,000

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.