Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release).
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
Earnings Distribution
How Ohio University-Lancaster 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-Lancaster 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
Explore Related Programs
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.