Analysis
Ohio University-Zanesville's psychology program sits right at Ohio's median for earnings, but that 31% jump from year one to year four tells a more interesting story. While graduates start below the national average at $30,682, they climb to $40,267 by year four—outpacing many peers who plateau earlier. This suggests graduates are finding their footing and advancing into better positions over time, rather than hitting an early ceiling.
The $25,000 debt load is manageable, especially given the earnings trajectory. That 0.81 debt-to-earnings ratio improves significantly as graduates progress, making the initial modest salary less concerning. Within Ohio's competitive landscape of 74 psychology programs, this campus performs solidly at the 60th percentile, though it lags behind standouts like Kenyon College ($39,203) and Muskingum University ($37,636).
For families prioritizing affordability and potential over immediate returns, this program delivers reasonable value. The low Pell grant percentage (10%) suggests a relatively affluent student body, but the debt figures indicate most students aren't over-borrowing. If your child is willing to be patient through those first few years while building experience, the steady earnings growth makes this a defensible choice—particularly for Ohio residents paying in-state tuition rates.
Where Ohio University-Zanesville Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Ohio University-Zanesville 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-Zanesville 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
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-Zanesville Campus, approximately 10% 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.