Median Earnings (1yr)
$61,856
79th percentile (60th in OH)
Median Debt
$26,000
4% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.42
Manageable
Sample Size
105
Adequate data

Analysis

Ohio University-Southern delivers solid accounting outcomes that outperform most national programs, with first-year earnings of $61,856 placing graduates in the 79th percentile nationally. That's meaningful—this regional campus produces accountants earning more than roughly four out of five accounting programs across the country. Within Ohio, the program sits comfortably in the 60th percentile, trailing the state's elite private universities but holding its own among public options. At $26,000 in debt (matching the state median), graduates face manageable monthly payments relative to their starting salaries, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 that suggests financial breathing room early in their careers.

The 13% earnings growth to $70,020 by year four indicates steady career progression typical of accounting, where professional certifications and experience compound over time. While graduates won't match the $67,000+ starting salaries at Case Western or Miami, they're also avoiding the steeper costs those programs often entail. The low Pell Grant enrollment (just 12%) suggests this campus may serve a different demographic than typical regional institutions, though that doesn't diminish the program's value proposition.

For parents weighing this option, the math is straightforward: their child would graduate with below-national-median debt while earning well above typical accounting salaries, then see meaningful growth through their twenties. That's a financially sound foundation for an accounting career, particularly for families prioritizing practical outcomes over brand names.

Where Ohio University-Southern Campus Stands

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

Ohio University-Southern CampusOther accounting 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-Southern Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally

Ohio University-Southern Campus graduates earn $62k, placing them in the 79th percentile of all accounting 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

Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (57 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Ohio University-Southern Campus$61,856$70,020$26,0000.42
Case Western Reserve University$67,830$78,857$25,0000.37
Miami University-Oxford$67,743$77,503$23,0000.34
University of Dayton$65,127$72,243$27,0000.41
Ohio State University-Main Campus$62,399$77,705$23,2840.37
John Carroll University$62,145$75,037$27,0000.43
National Median$53,694—$25,0000.47

Other Accounting Programs in Ohio

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Ohio schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland
$64,671$67,830$25,000
Miami University-Oxford
Oxford
$17,809$67,743$23,000
University of Dayton
Dayton
$47,600$65,127$27,000
Ohio State University-Main Campus
Columbus
$12,859$62,399$23,284
John Carroll University
University Heights
$49,100$62,145$27,000

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-Southern Campus, approximately 12% 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 105 graduates with reported earnings and 121 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.