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
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6,178 | $38,246 | $51,321 | $24,208 | 0.63 | |
| $14,081 | $41,159 | $42,357 | $27,000 | 0.66 | |
| $6,178 | $38,246 | $51,321 | $24,208 | 0.63 | |
| $6,178 | $38,246 | $51,321 | $24,208 | 0.63 | |
| $6,178 | $38,246 | $51,321 | $24,208 | 0.63 | |
| $13,746 | $38,246 | $51,321 | $24,208 | 0.63 | |
| National Median | — | $34,515 | — | $24,250 | 0.70 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with journalism graduates
Communications Teachers, Postsecondary
Editors
Writers and Authors
Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers
Film and Video Editors
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists
Photographers
Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys
Proofreaders and Copy Markers
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.