Median Earnings (1yr)
$36,506
69th percentile (60th in OH)
Median Debt
$25,000
At national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.68
Manageable
Sample Size
90
Adequate data

Analysis

Ohio University-Southern's sociology program outperforms most of its peers, landing in the 69th percentile nationally—well above the national median of $34,102. Within Ohio's 46 sociology programs, it sits at the 60th percentile, which is particularly noteworthy given the state's strong performance in this field. While graduates won't reach the earnings of elite programs like Miami or Cincinnati, they'll start at $36,506 and see solid growth to $45,087 by year four, a 24% increase that suggests the degree opens doors to career advancement.

The debt picture is straightforward: $25,000 matches both national and state medians for sociology degrees, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.68. That means graduates owe less than 70% of their first-year salary—a reasonable burden that most can handle with standard repayment plans. The combination of above-average earnings and typical debt makes this a better-than-average investment for a social science degree.

For families in southeastern Ohio looking to keep costs down while earning a respectable credential, this program delivers. Your child won't command top-tier earnings, but they'll start with a salary that beats most sociology graduates nationwide and see meaningful income growth during their twenties. The economics work if they're genuinely interested in the field and understand they're choosing passion over peak earning potential.

Where Ohio University-Southern Campus Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all sociology bachelors's programs nationally

Ohio University-Southern CampusOther sociology 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 $37k, placing them in the 69th percentile of all sociology 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

Sociology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (46 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Ohio University-Southern Campus$36,506$45,087$25,0000.68
Miami University-Oxford$43,150$47,382$23,5000.54
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus$42,507—$24,2500.57
Ohio State University-Mansfield Campus$38,034$45,403$21,7390.57
Ohio State University-Main Campus$38,034$45,403$21,7390.57
John Carroll University$36,845$48,903$27,0000.73
National Median$34,102—$25,0000.73

Other Sociology Programs in Ohio

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Ohio schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Miami University-Oxford
Oxford
$17,809$43,150$23,500
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
Cincinnati
$13,570$42,507$24,250
Ohio State University-Mansfield Campus
Mansfield
$9,212$38,034$21,739
Ohio State University-Main Campus
Columbus
$12,859$38,034$21,739
John Carroll University
University Heights
$49,100$36,845$27,000

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 90 graduates with reported earnings and 132 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.