Computer Science at Ohio University-Southern Campus
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Ohio University-Southern's computer science program sits squarely in the middle of both national and state rankings, but delivers genuinely competitive outcomes at a lower cost than typical CS programs. At $73,932 starting salary, graduates earn slightly above the national median and match Ohio's state median—while carrying about $2,000 less debt than their peers statewide. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29 means graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in under four months of gross salary, a manageable burden for a field with strong earning potential.
The trajectory here is steady rather than explosive, with 10% earnings growth over four years bringing median pay to $81,470. That's respectable momentum, though well behind the top-tier Ohio programs like Case Western that start graduates near $96,000. Still, for students seeking a CS degree without the pressure of elite admission standards or urban living costs, this program delivers solid professional outcomes. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) suggests consistent placement, though it's worth noting the lower Pell grant percentage indicates this campus may serve a different student population than regional campuses typically do.
For families in southern Ohio looking to keep costs down while accessing legitimate tech industry opportunities, this represents a practical path into software development careers. You're not getting premium outcomes, but you're getting dependable ones at a discount.
Where Ohio University-Southern Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer science bachelors's programs nationally
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 $74k, placing them in the 57th percentile of all computer science 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
Computer Science bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (38 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio University-Southern Campus | $73,932 | $81,470 | $21,500 | 0.29 |
| Case Western Reserve University | $95,688 | $103,989 | $25,391 | 0.27 |
| Cedarville University | $76,615 | $87,615 | $27,000 | 0.35 |
| Franklin University | $76,264 | $97,188 | $47,834 | 0.63 |
| University of Dayton | $74,052 | — | $25,000 | 0.34 |
| Ohio University-Eastern Campus | $73,932 | $81,470 | $21,500 | 0.29 |
| National Median | $70,950 | — | $23,374 | 0.33 |
Other Computer Science Programs in Ohio
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Ohio schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Case Western Reserve University Cleveland | $64,671 | $95,688 | $25,391 |
| Cedarville University Cedarville | $36,078 | $76,615 | $27,000 |
| Franklin University Columbus | $9,577 | $76,264 | $47,834 |
| University of Dayton Dayton | $47,600 | $74,052 | $25,000 |
| Ohio University-Eastern Campus Saint Clairsville | $6,178 | $73,932 | $21,500 |
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 61 graduates with reported earnings and 69 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.