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 meaningfulβthis 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
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6,178 | $61,856 | $70,020 | $26,000 | 0.42 | |
| $64,671 | $67,830 | $78,857 | $25,000 | 0.37 | |
| $17,809 | $67,743 | $77,503 | $23,000 | 0.34 | |
| $47,600 | $65,127 | $72,243 | $27,000 | 0.41 | |
| $12,859 | $62,399 | $77,705 | $23,284 | 0.37 | |
| $49,100 | $62,145 | $75,037 | $27,000 | 0.43 | |
| National Median | β | $53,694 | β | $25,000 | 0.47 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with accounting graduates
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Financial and Investment Analysts
Financial Risk Specialists
Financial Examiners
Budget Analysts
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Accountants and Auditors
Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
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.