Median Earnings (1yr)
$38,246
75th percentile
60th percentile in Ohio
Median Debt
$24,208
At national median

Analysis

Ohio University-Southern Campus produces journalism graduates who earn 11% more than the national median from day one, climbing to $51,321 by year four—a 34% increase that significantly outpaces most journalism programs. With starting debt around $24,000, graduates face a manageable 0.63 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning they owe roughly eight months of their first-year salary. This compares favorably to many journalism programs where graduates struggle with lower earnings and similar debt loads.

The program ranks at the 60th percentile among Ohio journalism schools, matching the state median. What's notable here is the earnings trajectory: that jump to $51,000+ by year four suggests graduates are advancing into editor, producer, or specialized reporting roles faster than typical. At a regional campus with only 12% of students receiving Pell grants, this appears to be a program serving students who already have some financial stability while delivering solid career outcomes.

For an anxious parent, the math works: your child will earn above-average journalist wages with below-crisis-level debt. The strong year-four earnings indicate good career progression, which matters in a field where many struggle to advance beyond entry-level positions. If your student is serious about journalism, this program offers better-than-typical economics for the field.

Where Ohio University-Southern Campus Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all journalism 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$38,246$51,321+34%
Ohio State University-Main Campus$31,955$53,317+67%
Ohio University-Eastern Campus$38,246$51,321+34%
Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus$38,246$51,321+34%
Ohio University-Lancaster Campus$38,246$51,321+34%

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

Journalism bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (27 total in state)

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Ohio University-Southern CampusIronton$6,178$38,246$51,321$24,2080.63
Bowling Green State University-Main CampusBowling Green$14,081$41,159$42,357$27,0000.66
Ohio University-Lancaster CampusLancaster$6,178$38,246$51,321$24,2080.63
Ohio University-Chillicothe CampusChillicothe$6,178$38,246$51,321$24,2080.63
Ohio University-Eastern CampusSaint Clairsville$6,178$38,246$51,321$24,2080.63
Ohio University-Main CampusAthens$13,746$38,246$51,321$24,2080.63
National Median$34,515$24,2500.70

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with journalism graduates

Communications Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in communications, such as organizational communications, public relations, radio/television broadcasting, and journalism. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Editors

Plan, coordinate, revise, or edit written material. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication.

$75,260/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Writers and Authors

Originate and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, advertisements, and other material.

$72,270/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers

Create original written works, such as scripts, essays, prose, poetry or song lyrics, for publication or performance.

$72,270/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Film and Video Editors

Edit moving images on film, video, or other media. May work with a producer or director to organize images for final production. May edit or synchronize soundtracks with images.

$70,570/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists

Narrate or write news stories, reviews, or commentary for print, broadcast, or other communications media such as newspapers, magazines, radio, or television. May collect and analyze information through interview, investigation, or observation.

$60,280/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Photographers

Photograph people, landscapes, merchandise, or other subjects. May use lighting equipment to enhance a subject's appearance. May use editing software to produce finished images and prints. Includes commercial and industrial photographers, scientific photographers, and photojournalists.

$42,520/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys

Speak or read from scripted materials, such as news reports or commercial messages, on radio, television, or other communications media. May play and queue music, announce artist or title of performance, identify station, or interview guests.

Jobs growth:

Proofreaders and Copy Markers

Read transcript or proof type setup to detect and mark for correction any grammatical, typographical, or compositional errors. Excludes workers whose primary duty is editing copy. Includes proofreaders of braille.

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 254 graduates with reported earnings and 268 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.