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
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 | $36,506 | $45,087 | +24% |
| John Carroll University | $36,845 | $48,903 | +33% |
| Miami University-Oxford | $43,150 | $47,382 | +10% |
| Ohio State University-Mansfield Campus | $38,034 | $45,403 | +19% |
| Ohio State University-Main Campus | $38,034 | $45,403 | +19% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Sociology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (46 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6,178 | $36,506 | $45,087 | $25,000 | 0.68 | |
| $17,809 | $43,150 | $47,382 | $23,500 | 0.54 | |
| $13,570 | $42,507 | — | $24,250 | 0.57 | |
| $9,212 | $38,034 | $45,403 | $21,739 | 0.57 | |
| $12,859 | $38,034 | $45,403 | $21,739 | 0.57 | |
| $49,100 | $36,845 | $48,903 | $27,000 | 0.73 | |
| National Median | — | $34,102 | — | $25,000 | 0.73 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with sociology graduates
Sociologists
Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary
Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other
Managers, All Other
Regulatory Affairs Managers
Compliance Managers
Loss Prevention Managers
Wind Energy Operations Managers
Wind Energy Development Managers
Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers
Social Science Research Assistants
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.