Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release).
Analysis
Ohio University-Southern's psychology program shows something unusual: it exactly matches Ohio's median for both earnings and debt, yet delivers stronger-than-expected growth over time. While graduates start at $30,682—slightly below the national median—they reach $40,267 by year four, a 31% increase that outpaces typical psychology trajectories. That 60th percentile ranking among Ohio programs means this campus performs better than most in-state options, though students will still trail elite private schools like Kenyon by a significant margin.
The $25,000 debt load aligns perfectly with state and national norms, creating a manageable 0.81 debt-to-earnings ratio at graduation. What matters here is the earnings momentum: that year-four figure moves graduates well above where they started and suggests the degree opens doors to better-paying roles with experience. The low Pell grant percentage (12%) is worth noting—this campus serves a different demographic than many regional campuses.
For parents weighing in-state options, this program offers middle-of-the-pack safety with better-than-average upward trajectory. Your child won't start with impressive earnings, but the four-year growth pattern suggests they won't stay stuck at entry-level wages either. The value proposition depends on whether they can leverage that momentum into careers that continue the upward climb.
Where Ohio University-Southern Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all psychology 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 | $30,682 | $40,267 | +31% |
| University of Dayton | $32,953 | $50,757 | +54% |
| Miami University-Middletown | $36,190 | $46,978 | +30% |
| Miami University-Hamilton | $36,190 | $46,978 | +30% |
| Miami University-Oxford | $36,190 | $46,978 | +30% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (74 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6,178 | $30,682 | $40,267 | $25,000 | 0.81 | |
| $69,330 | $39,203 | $42,073 | $19,000 | 0.48 | |
| $31,440 | $37,636 | $34,807 | $27,625 | 0.73 | |
| $49,100 | $36,602 | $43,225 | $27,000 | 0.74 | |
| $7,278 | $36,190 | $46,978 | $24,094 | 0.67 | |
| $7,278 | $36,190 | $46,978 | $24,094 | 0.67 | |
| National Median | — | $31,482 | — | $25,500 | 0.81 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with psychology graduates
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
Psychologists, All Other
Neuropsychologists
Clinical Neuropsychologists
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary
Managers, All Other
Loss Prevention Managers
Social Science Research Assistants
Explore Related Programs
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 195 graduates with reported earnings and 306 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.