Median Earnings (1yr)
$61,856
79th percentile
60th percentile in Ohio
Median Debt
$26,000
4% above national median

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 meaningfulβ€”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

Earnings Distribution

How Ohio University-Southern 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-Southern Campus$61,856$70,020+13%
Case Western Reserve University$67,830$78,857+16%
Ohio State University-Main Campus$62,399$77,705+25%
Miami University-Oxford$67,743$77,503+14%
John Carroll University$62,145$75,037+21%

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

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

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Ohio University-Southern CampusIronton$6,178$61,856$70,020$26,0000.42
Case Western Reserve UniversityCleveland$64,671$67,830$78,857$25,0000.37
Miami University-OxfordOxford$17,809$67,743$77,503$23,0000.34
University of DaytonDayton$47,600$65,127$72,243$27,0000.41
Ohio State University-Main CampusColumbus$12,859$62,399$77,705$23,2840.37
John Carroll UniversityUniversity Heights$49,100$62,145$75,037$27,0000.43
National Medianβ€”$53,694β€”$25,0000.47

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with accounting graduates

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial and Investment Analysts

Conduct quantitative analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of public or private institutions, including valuation of businesses.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Risk Specialists

Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Examiners

Enforce or ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing financial and securities institutions and financial and real estate transactions. May examine, verify, or authenticate records.

$90,400/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Budget Analysts

Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.

$87,930/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Accountants and Auditors

Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data.

$81,680/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents

Determine tax liability or collect taxes from individuals or business firms according to prescribed laws and regulations.

$59,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks

Compute, classify, and record numerical data to keep financial records complete. Perform any combination of routine calculating, posting, and verifying duties to obtain primary financial data for use in maintaining accounting records. May also check the accuracy of figures, calculations, and postings pertaining to business transactions recorded by other workers.

$49,210/yrJobs growth:Some college, no degree

Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks

Compile and record employee time and payroll data. May compute employees' time worked, production, and commission. May compute and post wages and deductions, or prepare paychecks.

$48,650/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent
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.