Median Earnings (1yr)
$34,983
14th percentile
40th percentile in Ohio
Median Debt
$23,050
11% below national median

Analysis

While Ohio University-Lancaster's teaching program ranks in just the 14th percentile nationally, it performs closer to the middle of the pack within Ohio, landing at the 40th percentile among the state's 62 programs. The $34,983 starting salary falls about $7,000 below the national median for teacher education programs, but it's much closer to Ohio's median of $35,926. This suggests the program's modest outcomes may reflect Ohio's overall teacher compensation landscape rather than program-specific weaknesses.

The financial picture offers some reassurance for families. With $23,050 in median debt—lower than both national and state averages—graduates face a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.66. That means for every dollar earned in the first year, students owe about 66 cents, which is reasonable for education majors who typically start with lower salaries but gain job security and benefits. Earnings growth of 10% by year four shows steady progression, though graduates will likely need several more years to reach competitive compensation levels.

For parents considering this program, the value proposition is straightforward: lower debt and predictable career outcomes, but modest earning potential. If your child is committed to teaching and wants to stay in Ohio, this program provides an affordable path into the profession without overwhelming debt burdens.

Where Ohio University-Lancaster Campus Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all teacher education and professional development, specific levels and methods 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

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Ohio University-Lancaster Campus$34,983$38,521+10%
University of Dayton$38,492$44,038+14%
Capital University$42,094$43,646+4%
Ohio Dominican University$42,513$43,278+2%
Miami University-Oxford$39,155$42,312+8%

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (62 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Ohio University-Lancaster CampusLancaster$6,178$34,983$38,521$23,0500.66
Ohio Dominican UniversityColumbus$34,370$42,513$43,278$29,0000.68
Capital UniversityColumbus$41,788$42,094$43,646$27,0000.64
Bowling Green State University-Main CampusBowling Green$14,081$40,271$40,145$26,0000.65
Mount St. Joseph UniversityCincinnati$36,650$39,660$40,097$28,3430.71
University of Cincinnati-Main CampusCincinnati$13,570$39,607$37,959$27,0000.68
National Median$41,809$26,0000.62

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with teacher education and professional development, specific levels and methods graduates

Education Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to education, such as counseling, curriculum, guidance, instruction, teacher education, and teaching English as a second language. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Training and Development Specialists

Design or conduct work-related training and development programs to improve individual skills or organizational performance. May analyze organizational training needs or evaluate training effectiveness.

$65,850/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.

$64,580/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Teach one or more subjects to students at the middle, intermediate, or junior high school level.

$62,970/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education

Teach academic and social skills to kindergarten students.

$62,310/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education

Teach academic and social skills to students at the elementary school level.

$62,310/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors

Teach or instruct out-of-school youths and adults in basic education, literacy, or English as a Second Language classes, or in classes for earning a high school equivalency credential.

$59,950/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education

Instruct preschool-aged students, following curricula or lesson plans, in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth.

$37,120/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Postsecondary Teachers, All Other

All postsecondary teachers not listed separately.

Self-Enrichment Teachers

Teach or instruct individuals or groups for the primary purpose of self-enrichment or recreation, rather than for an occupational objective, educational attainment, competition, or fitness.

Teachers and Instructors, All Other

All teachers and instructors not listed separately.

Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education

Assist a preschool, elementary, middle, or secondary school teacher with instructional duties. Serve in a position for which a teacher has primary responsibility for the design and implementation of educational programs and services.

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 327 graduates with reported earnings and 422 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.