Journalism at Ohio University-Southern Campus
Bachelor's Degree
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
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 $38k, placing them in the 75th percentile of all journalism 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
Journalism bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (27 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio University-Southern Campus | $38,246 | $51,321 | $24,208 | 0.63 |
| Bowling Green State University-Main Campus | $41,159 | $42,357 | $27,000 | 0.66 |
| Ohio University-Lancaster Campus | $38,246 | $51,321 | $24,208 | 0.63 |
| Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus | $38,246 | $51,321 | $24,208 | 0.63 |
| Ohio University-Eastern Campus | $38,246 | $51,321 | $24,208 | 0.63 |
| Ohio University-Main Campus | $38,246 | $51,321 | $24,208 | 0.63 |
| National Median | $34,515 | — | $24,250 | 0.70 |
Other Journalism Programs in Ohio
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Ohio schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bowling Green State University-Main Campus Bowling Green | $14,081 | $41,159 | $27,000 |
| Ohio University-Lancaster Campus Lancaster | $6,178 | $38,246 | $24,208 |
| Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus Chillicothe | $6,178 | $38,246 | $24,208 |
| Ohio University-Eastern Campus Saint Clairsville | $6,178 | $38,246 | $24,208 |
| Ohio University-Main Campus Athens | $13,746 | $38,246 | $24,208 |
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.