Analysis
Ohio Wesleyan's psychology program produces mixed results that place it solidly in the middle of Ohio's crowded field but slightly below national expectations. First-year earnings of $30,775 land in the 60th percentile statewide—meaning graduates earn more than most Ohio psychology majors—but trail the national median by about $700. The $27,000 debt load is actually lower than both state and national averages, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio under 1.0. That's good news for parents worried about repayment.
However, the small sample size here matters. With fewer than 30 graduates reporting, a few outliers could significantly skew these numbers in either direction. The program also faces steep competition from nearby schools: Kenyon graduates earn $8,400 more their first year out, and several other Ohio programs show substantially stronger outcomes. For a selective private university with an average SAT of 1311, these earnings feel modest rather than exceptional.
The bottom line: this program won't burden your child with crushing debt, and it performs reasonably well compared to other Ohio psychology programs. But if your child has the credentials for Ohio Wesleyan, they likely qualify for stronger-performing alternatives within the state. The investment makes sense if your child is set on this campus for fit or culture, but purely from an earnings standpoint, it's an average choice in a competitive market.
Where Ohio Wesleyan University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Ohio Wesleyan University graduates compare to all programs nationally
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $52,357 | $30,775 | — | $27,000 | 0.88 | |
| $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 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.
Sample Size: Based on 22 graduates with reported earnings and 39 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.