Analysis
With fewer than 30 graduates tracked, the data here is inherently shaky, but what we can see suggests Ohio University-Southern produces special education teachers who earn right at Ohio's state median—around $41,000-$43,000 in their first few years. That places this program squarely in the middle among Ohio's 43 options, performing better than half the state's programs but trailing flagship schools like Ohio State and Miami by roughly $4,000 annually.
The debt load of $26,950 translates to a manageable 0.65 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe about eight months of salary. That's reasonable for teaching, where steady employment and loan forgiveness programs can ease repayment. The 4% earnings growth from year one to year four is modest but typical for education roles with structured salary schedules. What's less typical is the low Pell grant rate—just 12% of students here receive need-based aid, suggesting this campus may serve a different demographic than most regional branches.
The small sample size means a handful of graduates could skew these numbers significantly. If your child is seriously considering this program, talk directly with the education department about job placement rates and whether graduates secure full-time teaching positions versus substitute or aide roles. For a teaching career in Ohio, this program appears workable—not a standout, but unlikely to create financial hardship either.
Where Ohio University-Southern Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all special education and teaching 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 | $41,362 | $42,847 | +4% |
| University of Dayton | $45,260 | $44,985 | -1% |
| University of Toledo | $40,952 | $44,030 | +8% |
| Ohio State University-Main Campus | $45,213 | $43,720 | -3% |
| Miami University-Oxford | $41,871 | $43,240 | +3% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Special Education and Teaching bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (43 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6,178 | $41,362 | $42,847 | $26,950 | 0.65 | |
| $47,600 | $45,260 | $44,985 | $20,612 | 0.46 | |
| $12,859 | $45,213 | $43,720 | $26,899 | 0.59 | |
| $41,788 | $42,709 | $40,804 | $27,000 | 0.63 | |
| $13,570 | $42,347 | — | $25,046 | 0.59 | |
| $17,809 | $41,871 | $43,240 | $27,000 | 0.64 | |
| National Median | — | $44,139 | — | $26,717 | 0.61 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with special education and teaching graduates
Education Teachers, Postsecondary
Special Education Teachers, Preschool
Special Education Teachers, Middle School
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School
Special Education Teachers, All Other
Adapted Physical Education Specialists
Interpreters and Translators
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten
Special Education Teachers, Elementary School
Teaching Assistants, Special Education
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 27 graduates with reported earnings and 36 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.