At $6,133/yr net price, Ohio University-Lancaster Campus graduates earn $52,581/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $18,581/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,133 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $24,532 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $52,581/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$18,581/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 13.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,056 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,301/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,792/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $4,674/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,009/yr |
| $110,001+ | $9,277/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $36,852 | $13,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $30,771 | $12,750 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $24,615 | $19,000 |
The Risk Factor
13.7% of students at Ohio University-Lancaster Campus graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Ohio University-Lancaster offers a low-cost education with serious completion risks that undermine its financial value. The $6,133 annual net price ranks among the most affordable in Ohio, but the 13.7% graduation rate means most students leave without a degree and still carry debt.
Criminal Justice graduates earn $36,852 annually with manageable $13,000 debt loads, making it the campus's strongest financial bet. Business Administration delivers $30,771 in earnings with similar debt burdens. Liberal Arts graduates face a tougher financial reality at $24,615 annually with higher $19,000 debt loads, creating a less favorable return.
The completion crisis poses the biggest financial risk. With nearly 9 in 10 students failing to graduate, you face high odds of accumulating debt without the degree needed to access better-paying positions. The 63.8% retention rate signals early struggles that often lead to dropout.
This campus works financially for students who can commit fully to completion and choose career-focused majors like Criminal Justice. Local students who can live at home while attending benefit most from the low costs. You should look elsewhere if you need extensive academic support, have weak study habits, or want strong credentials that open doors beyond southeastern Ohio.
The extremely low 9.48% financial aid rate suggests limited scholarship opportunities, but also indicates that most students already qualify for substantial federal aid that drives down the net price. Your best cost strategy involves maximizing federal grants and avoiding loans when possible, given the graduation rate risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ohio University-Lancaster Campus worth the cost?
With a low net price of $6,133 per year and median earnings of $52,581 after 10 years, Ohio University-Lancaster Campus offers decent value despite its extremely low 13.7% graduation rate. The affordable tuition helps offset the completion risk, but students should carefully consider their ability to finish their degree.
What are the best paying programs at Ohio University-Lancaster Campus?
Criminal Justice graduates earn the highest at $36,852 annually, followed by Business Administration at $30,771. Liberal Arts graduates earn significantly less at $24,615, making program choice important for return on investment.
How much debt do Ohio University-Lancaster Campus graduates typically have?
Graduates carry a median debt of $21,056, which is manageable given the school's low annual cost. However, with only 14% of students graduating, many may accumulate debt without completing their degree.
Why is Ohio University-Lancaster Campus graduation rate so low?
The 13.7% graduation rate is among the lowest nationally and represents the biggest risk to ROI at Ohio University-Lancaster Campus. This means most students leave without a degree, making careful academic planning and support essential for success.