Median Earnings (1yr)
$39,349
65th percentile (60th in OH)
Median Debt
$21,669
13% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.55
Manageable
Sample Size
75
Adequate data

Analysis

Ohio University's criminology program delivers respectable earnings with manageable debt, though neither aspect is exceptional. First-year graduates earn $39,349—solidly above both the national median ($37,476) and Ohio's state median ($37,782), placing this program in the 60th percentile among Ohio schools. The $21,669 in typical debt sits well below state and national averages of $25,000, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.55 that most graduates can handle within a few years of entering the workforce.

The earnings trajectory tells an encouraging story: graduates see a 10% bump by year four, reaching $43,382. While criminology isn't a high-earning field, Ohio University's program performs better than six out of ten comparable programs in the state. The moderate sample size suggests these numbers reflect enough graduates to be meaningful without being heavily influenced by outliers.

For parents evaluating in-state options, this represents solid middle-of-the-pack value. Your student won't leave with crushing debt, and they'll earn slightly more than peers from other Ohio criminology programs. It's not going to catapult anyone into financial comfort immediately, but the combination of below-average debt and above-average earnings creates a stable foundation for someone committed to criminal justice or related fields.

Where Ohio University-Main Campus Stands

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

Ohio University-Main CampusOther criminology 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-Main Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally

Ohio University-Main Campus graduates earn $39k, placing them in the 65th percentile of all criminology 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

Criminology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (14 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Ohio University-Main Campus$39,349$43,382$21,6690.55
Ohio State University-Mansfield Campus$39,396$50,244$21,9220.56
Ohio State University-Main Campus$39,396$50,244$21,9220.56
University of Akron Main Campus$38,087$42,807$22,2500.58
Wright State University-Lake Campus$37,476$39,894$27,2500.73
Wright State University-Main Campus$37,476$39,894$27,2500.73
National Median$37,476$25,0000.67

Other Criminology Programs in Ohio

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Ohio schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Ohio State University-Mansfield Campus
Mansfield
$9,212$39,396$21,922
Ohio State University-Main Campus
Columbus
$12,859$39,396$21,922
University of Akron Main Campus
Akron
$12,799$38,087$22,250
Wright State University-Lake Campus
Celina
$7,504$37,476$27,250
Wright State University-Main Campus
Dayton
$11,188$37,476$27,250

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-Main Campus, approximately 20% 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.