Median Earnings (1yr)
$60,236
75th percentile (60th in OH)
Median Debt
$21,000
6% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.35
Manageable
Sample Size
20
Limited data

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

Ohio University-Southern CampusOther business/managerial economics 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 $60k, placing them in the 75th percentile of all business/managerial economics bachelors programs nationally.

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

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

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Ohio University-Southern Campus$60,236—$21,0000.35
Ohio State University-Main Campus$61,979$70,360$19,5000.31
Miami University-Oxford$60,596$72,562$24,0000.40
Ohio University-Zanesville Campus$60,236—$21,0000.35
Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus$60,236—$21,0000.35
Ohio University-Lancaster Campus$60,236—$21,0000.35
National Median$53,219—$22,2500.42

Other Business/Managerial Economics Programs in Ohio

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Ohio schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Ohio State University-Main Campus
Columbus
$12,859$61,979$19,500
Miami University-Oxford
Oxford
$17,809$60,596$24,000
Ohio University-Zanesville Campus
Zanesville
$6,178$60,236$21,000
Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus
Chillicothe
$6,178$60,236$21,000
Ohio University-Lancaster Campus
Lancaster
$6,178$60,236$21,000

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 20 graduates with reported earnings and 22 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.