Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology at University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
Post-baccalaureate Certificate
Analysis
University of Cincinnati's Clinical Psychology certificate punches well above what you'd expect from a widely accessible public university. At $19,000 in debt for a program that delivers $61,980 in first-year earnings, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31 is excellent—graduates owe roughly four months of earnings, which they can realistically pay down quickly. The 95th percentile national ranking confirms this program competes with elite offerings nationwide, despite UC's 88% admission rate suggesting it's far more accessible than many competitors.
The context within Ohio matters here: as one of only three schools in the state offering this certificate, UC sits at the 60th percentile for earnings. That's not top-of-class within Ohio, but combined with the low debt burden and national standing, it remains competitive. The 9% earnings growth to $67,707 by year four shows steady career progression rather than stagnation.
For families looking at psychology credentials, this program offers a rare combination: accessibility, reasonable cost, and strong career outcomes. The moderate sample size means individual results may vary, but the fundamentals—low debt, immediate earnings potential, and upward trajectory—suggest this certificate delivers tangible career value without the financial stress that often accompanies graduate credentials in psychology fields.
Where University of Cincinnati-Main Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all clinical, counseling and applied psychology postbacc-cert's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How University of Cincinnati-Main Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus graduates earn $62k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all clinical, counseling and applied psychology postbacc-cert programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology postbacc-cert's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (3 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Cincinnati-Main Campus | $61,980 | $67,707 | $19,000 | 0.31 |
| National Median | $61,980 | — | $19,000 | 0.31 |
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 University of Cincinnati-Main Campus, approximately 18% 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.