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$6,178Tuition
657Students
14%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$52,581Earnings
Public4-yearData: 2023-24

About Ohio University-Lancaster Campus

Ohio University-Lancaster serves as a stepping stone for southeastern Ohio students who want to start their college journey close to home. This regional campus enrolls 657 students in a rural-fringe setting, offering associate degrees and the first two years of bachelor's programs. Students can complete foundational coursework before transferring to Ohio University's main campus in Athens or other four-year institutions.

The financial picture looks manageable for most families. Students from households earning under $30,000 pay just $3,301 net after aid, while those from families earning $30,000-$48,000 pay $3,792. Graduates who complete programs here typically earn $52,581 ten years later, making the median debt of $21,056 quite reasonable. Monthly loan payments average $223, and the employment rate reaches 97.1%.

The campus draws entirely from Ohio, with 85.84% of students identifying as white and women comprising 62.10% of enrollment. However, the 13.70% six-year graduation rate and 63.76% retention rate suggest many students struggle to complete their programs. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio provides decent access to professors, but only 14.31% of students receive institutional grants averaging $4,440.

Academics & Faculty

Ohio University-Lancaster serves as a regional gateway for students beginning their college journey in southeastern Ohio. The campus offers associate degrees and the first two years of bachelor's programs, making it an affordable stepping stone to a four-year education. With a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive more personalized attention than at larger universities. However, the 13.7% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many regional campus students face, including working while studying and transferring to complete degrees elsewhere. The campus focuses on general education requirements and foundational coursework. Students often use Lancaster as a cost-effective way to complete prerequisites before transferring to Ohio University's main campus in Athens.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
16:1
Full-Time Faculty
50.9%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
13.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
13.7%
Retention Rate
63.8%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$52,581

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Criminal Justice and Corrections. Associate $36,852
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Associate $30,771
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. Associate $24,615

View all 110 programs →

Campus Life

This regional campus serves 657 students in Lancaster, about 30 miles southeast of Columbus. Women make up 62% of the student body, creating a campus atmosphere that feels more intimate than Ohio University's main Athens location. The small size means you'll recognize faces walking between buildings, and the 16:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know your name.

Southeastern Ohio winters require a heavy coat, with snow lasting from December through February, while springs bring mild weather perfect for studying outdoors. Since this is primarily a commuter campus with students completing associate degrees or their first two years before transferring, most social life happens in study groups and between classes rather than weekend parties. Students often drive to Columbus for entertainment or visit the main OU campus in Athens for football games. The 97.1% employment rate reflects the campus's focus on practical career preparation. With 100% in-state enrollment, you'll be surrounded by Ohioans who understand local culture and often work part-time jobs while attending classes.
Setting
Rural-Fringe
Calendar System
Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg
21°–37°F
July Avg
64°–85°F
Annual Precipitation
40.2"
Annual Snowfall
17.0"

Student Demographics

This regional campus draws entirely from Ohio, serving as an affordable stepping stone for local students in southeastern Ohio. Women make up nearly two-thirds of the 657 students enrolled. The student body is predominantly white at 86%, reflecting the rural demographics of Lancaster and surrounding communities. Only 9% receive Pell Grants, suggesting most students come from working- and middle-class families rather than low-income backgrounds. Students typically use the campus to complete general education requirements before transferring to Ohio University's main Athens campus or entering the workforce with associate degrees.
Men
37.9%
Women
62.1%
White
85.8%
Black
2.9%
Hispanic
3.7%
Asian
0.2%
In-State Students
100.0%
Pell Grant Recipients
9.5%

Location

Ohio University-Lancaster sits in Lancaster, Ohio, about 30 miles southeast of Columbus. This regional campus serves southeastern Ohio's rural communities with just 657 students enrolled. Lancaster sits in the rolling hills of Fairfield County, where small-town life dominates the landscape. The area blends agricultural heritage with light manufacturing, giving students exposure to both traditional and modern economic sectors. Women make up 62.1% of the student body, reflecting broader trends in higher education. The campus draws entirely from in-state students, with 85.84% identifying as white. Students considering colleges in Ohio may also compare Ohio University-Lancaster with similar schools in the region.
Address
Lancaster, Ohio 43130-1037

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$52,581
Median Earnings (5 years)
$65,965
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$35,900
Loan Repayment Rate
52.3%
Monthly Loan Payment
$223/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,056

Frequently Asked Questions

How competitive is admission to Ohio University-Lancaster Campus?

Ohio University-Lancaster Campus serves as an open-access regional campus that primarily admits students for associate degrees and the first two years of bachelor's programs. The campus enrolls 657 students with a 63.76% retention rate. Students can later transfer to the main Athens campus to complete four-year degrees.

What does Ohio University-Lancaster Campus cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $6,133 annually for students attending Ohio University-Lancaster Campus. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $3,301 after aid, while those from higher-income families pay closer to the full in-state tuition of $6,178. Only 14.31% of students receive institutional grants averaging $4,440.

What academic programs does Ohio University-Lancaster Campus offer?

Ohio University-Lancaster Campus operates on a semester system with a 16:1 student-faculty ratio. The campus specializes in associate degrees and serves as a pathway for students to complete their first two years before transferring. Women make up 62.10% of the student body, reflecting the campus's appeal for local students seeking affordable higher education.

What are the graduation outcomes at Ohio University-Lancaster Campus?

The campus has a 13.70% six-year graduation rate and 13.13% four-year graduation rate, reflecting its role as a transfer-focused institution. Graduates earn a median of $52,581 ten years after enrollment with typical debt of $21,056. The employment rate reaches 97.1% for those who complete their programs.

Where is Ohio University-Lancaster Campus located and what is the campus like?

The campus sits in Lancaster, Ohio, in a rural-fringe setting that serves southeastern Ohio communities. All students are Ohio residents, with 85.84% identifying as white, making it a tight-knit regional campus. The smaller enrollment of 657 students creates an intimate learning environment for those starting their college journey.

How affordable is student loan repayment for Ohio University-Lancaster Campus graduates?

Graduates typically make monthly loan payments of $223 with a 52.30% loan repayment rate. Only 11.43% of students take federal loans, keeping debt levels manageable for a regional campus. The relatively low borrowing reflects the campus's affordability and its role serving local students who often live at home.