Median Earnings (1yr)
$38,246
75th percentile (60th in OH)
Median Debt
$24,208
At national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.63
Manageable
Sample Size
254
Adequate data

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

Ohio University-Southern CampusOther journalism 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 $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)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Ohio University-Southern Campus$38,246$51,321$24,2080.63
Bowling Green State University-Main Campus$41,159$42,357$27,0000.66
Ohio University-Lancaster Campus$38,246$51,321$24,2080.63
Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus$38,246$51,321$24,2080.63
Ohio University-Eastern Campus$38,246$51,321$24,2080.63
Ohio University-Main Campus$38,246$51,321$24,2080.63
National Median$34,515$24,2500.70

Other Journalism Programs in Ohio

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Ohio schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (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.