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 gives you a low-cost, low-risk entry point with modest payoff. At $6,133 a year, this is one of the cheapest four-year options in the region, and the $21,056 median debt is manageable against $52,581 in median earnings ten years out. The math works because you pay so little going in, not because the earnings are high.
The 13.70% graduation rate is the number that should stop you. Most students who enroll here do not finish this degree on this campus. The 63.76% retention rate says more than a third of first-year students are gone before sophomore year. That gap between enrolling and graduating is the biggest financial risk you face here, because the cheap tuition only pays off if you actually earn the credential. Dropping out with even a year of loans and no degree is the worst outcome, and it happens to most students who start.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families sharply. If your family earns under $48k, you pay under $3,800 a year. Cross $75k and the price roughly doubles to about $9,000. That jump is still cheap by four-year standards, but the aid advantage is concentrated at the bottom of the income range.
This campus fits you if you are staying local, working while enrolled, and want to test a four-year degree without taking on heavy debt. It also works as a low-cost start before transferring to Ohio University's main campus. Look elsewhere if you need a residential college experience or a program-specific outcome, since no bachelor-level program earnings are listed here to tell you which majors actually pay. Go in with a concrete plan to finish, because the completion odds are stacked against you.
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.