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-Lancaster's psychology program shows exactly what an anxious parent hopes to see: meaningful earnings growth over time. Starting at just under $31,000, graduates reach more than $40,000 by year four—a 31% increase that suggests career momentum rather than stagnation. While the first-year salary lands near national averages, that four-year figure puts graduates on a trajectory worth noting.

Within Ohio's crowded field of 74 psychology programs, this campus performs at the 60th percentile—solidly above the state median. You're not getting Kenyon-level outcomes ($39,000 starting), but you're also likely not paying Kenyon tuition. The $25,000 debt load is essentially identical to both state and national medians, and with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.81, graduates typically manage their loans without extreme financial strain. The robust sample size (100+ graduates) means these aren't fluky numbers.

The main consideration: that first year will be tight financially. At $30,682, your child should expect entry-level work—possibly positions that don't fully leverage a psychology degree initially. But the earnings trajectory suggests graduates find better opportunities as they gain experience. For families prioritizing affordability and steady career progression over prestigious credentials, this represents a practical path into psychology-related fields.

Where Ohio University-Lancaster Campus Stands

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

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

Ohio University-Lancaster 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-Lancaster 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-Lancaster 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 195 graduates with reported earnings and 306 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.