Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Ohio Wesleyan University
Bachelor's Degree
owu.eduAnalysis
Ohio Wesleyan's estimated debt load of $27,625 sits right at the national median for liberal arts degrees, while comparable programs in Ohio suggest first-year earnings around $40,556—placing this outcome squarely in the middle of the pack both nationally and statewide. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.68 means graduates would owe roughly eight months of their first year's salary, a manageable figure that's below the concerning 1.0 threshold. However, it's worth noting that several Ohio programs—including Xavier and Antioch—report significantly higher earnings for their liberal arts graduates, suggesting the outcomes for this type of degree can vary considerably depending on where you earn it.
The reality here is that liberal arts degrees are inherently broad and their value depends heavily on what students do with them. At $40,556, these estimated earnings are modestly above the $36,340 national median, which suggests Ohio's job market offers slightly better opportunities for these graduates than many other states. But liberal arts majors often need graduate school or additional training to reach their earning potential, and that debt-to-earnings picture could shift dramatically if students borrow more for advanced degrees.
For families considering Ohio Wesleyan's program, the financial fundamentals appear reasonable based on peer outcomes, but recognize these are projections drawn from similar programs across Ohio, not this school's actual track record. The moderate debt burden is encouraging, though the earnings potential is solidly middle-tier—expect a practical starting salary, not a financial windfall.
Where Ohio Wesleyan University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (61 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $52,357 | $40,556* | — | $27,625* | — | |
| $48,125 | $47,064* | $58,310 | $23,250* | 0.49 | |
| — | $46,487* | $44,094 | $29,832* | 0.64 | |
| $12,859 | $43,393* | $38,118 | $21,250* | 0.49 | |
| $7,272 | $41,205* | $43,439 | $31,963* | 0.78 | |
| $7,272 | $41,205* | $43,439 | $31,963* | 0.78 | |
| National Median | — | $36,340* | — | $27,000* | 0.74 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities graduates
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 Wesleyan University, approximately 25% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 25 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.