Social Work at Ohio University-Lancaster Campus

Ohio University-Lancaster delivers solid earnings with notably lower debt than most social work programs—a meaningful advantage in a helping profession where debt burdens can be particularly problematic. At $23,570, graduates here owe roughly $3,000 less than the state median and nearly $3,000 less than the national median, while earning right at Ohio's median for the field.

The earnings trajectory shows healthy 14% growth through year four, reaching $43,103. While this falls short of top Ohio programs like Capital University or Bowling Green, it compares favorably to the state's middle tier. For a regional campus, performing at the 60th percentile among Ohio social work programs is respectable, especially given the debt advantage. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62 means graduates owe roughly 7.5 months of their first year's salary—manageable for entry into a field where starting salaries rarely exceed $40,000.

For families focused on affordability, this program offers a practical path into social work without the debt load many graduates carry. The relatively low Pell grant percentage (9%) suggests most students here aren't qualifying for need-based aid, but the lower borrowing levels indicate the campus keeps costs reasonable regardless. If your child is committed to social work and wants to stay in Ohio, this represents a financially sensible option with earnings that will support the debt load.