Median Earnings (1yr)
$60,236
75th percentile
60th percentile in Ohio
Median Debt
$21,000
6% below national median

Analysis

Ohio University-Southern's business economics program punches above its weight nationally, with graduates earning $60,236—outpacing the national median by $7,000 and landing in the 75th percentile. That's impressive for a regional campus. The $21,000 in typical debt translates to a manageable 0.35 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe roughly a third of their first-year salary. Within Ohio, the program sits comfortably at the 60th percentile, essentially matching what students earn at the flagship Columbus campus and Miami University.

The catch? This data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes can swing these numbers significantly. A few exceptionally high or low earners could paint an overly rosy or bleak picture. Still, the fundamentals look sound: graduates enter the workforce earning more than most of their peers nationally while carrying below-average debt for Ohio.

For families weighing the Southern Campus against other Ohio University branches, the earnings appear consistent across locations—Zanesville, Chillicothe, and Lancaster all report identical median earnings. The real advantage here is the debt load staying well below $25,000. If your student can live at home or minimize living expenses at this Ironton campus, they're positioned to start their career with breathing room financially. Just remember the small sample caveat when making your final decision.

Where Ohio University-Southern Campus Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all business/managerial economics bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Ohio University-Southern Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

Business/Managerial Economics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (19 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Ohio University-Southern CampusIronton$6,178$60,236$21,0000.35
Ohio State University-Main CampusColumbus$12,859$61,979$70,360$19,5000.31
Miami University-OxfordOxford$17,809$60,596$72,562$24,0000.40
Ohio University-Main CampusAthens$13,746$60,236$21,0000.35
Ohio University-Chillicothe CampusChillicothe$6,178$60,236$21,0000.35
Ohio University-Lancaster CampusLancaster$6,178$60,236$21,0000.35
National Median$53,219$22,2500.42

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with business/managerial economics graduates

Economists

Conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to address economic problems related to the production and distribution of goods and services or monetary and fiscal policy. May collect and process economic and statistical data using sampling techniques and econometric methods.

$115,440/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Environmental Economists

Conduct economic analysis related to environmental protection and use of the natural environment, such as water, air, land, and renewable energy resources. Evaluate and quantify benefits, costs, incentives, and impacts of alternative options using economic principles and statistical techniques.

$115,440/yrJobs growth:Master'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

Management Analysts

Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively. Includes program analysts and management consultants.

$101,190/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Economics Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in economics. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Survey Researchers

Plan, develop, or conduct surveys. May analyze and interpret the meaning of survey data, determine survey objectives, or suggest or test question wording. Includes social scientists who primarily design questionnaires or supervise survey teams.

$63,380/yrJobs growth:Master's degree
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 20 graduates with reported earnings and 22 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.