Analysis
Based on comparable education programs in Ohio, Wittenberg's bachelor's appears to track right alongside state norms—estimated first-year earnings of $37,193 and debt of $27,000 land almost exactly at Ohio's median for education degrees. This puts the debt-to-earnings ratio at 0.73, slightly better than many bachelor's programs and manageable for a teaching career where salaries grow predictably with experience and additional credentials.
The bigger consideration here is whether your child is committed to teaching, particularly in Ohio's public schools where licensure requirements and union contracts create fairly standardized pay scales. Similar programs across the state—from Kent State to smaller schools like Heidelberg—produce remarkably consistent outcomes in that $35,000-$38,000 range, suggesting the market drives earnings more than the specific institution. With a 91% admission rate, Wittenberg offers accessible entry into this field, though you'll want to verify what student teaching placements and licensure pass rates look like, since those practical elements matter more for education majors than admissions selectivity.
The debt load is reasonable for a teaching income, especially if your child stays in Ohio where these estimates are grounded. The key question is staying power: teaching careers reward longevity through tenure tracks and master's-level pay bumps, but early-year salaries remain modest. If your child is certain about the classroom, these numbers work—just plan for that first-year budget carefully.
Where Wittenberg University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all education bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Education bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (23 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $44,602 | $37,193* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $49,100 | $37,978* | $45,762 | $27,000* | 0.71 | |
| $12,846 | $37,370* | $36,833 | $30,782* | 0.82 | |
| $30,962 | $37,015* | $35,768 | $27,000* | 0.73 | |
| $33,628 | $35,895* | $40,411 | $27,000* | 0.75 | |
| National Median | — | $38,660* | — | $26,522* | 0.69 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with education 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 Wittenberg University, approximately 29% 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 4 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.