At $20,413/yr net price, Ohio University-Main 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) | $20,413 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $81,652 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $52,581/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$18,581/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 66.4% |
| 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 | $13,075/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,933/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,808/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,093/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,216/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering, General. | Master | $100,690 | $25,548 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $97,959 | $41,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $90,283 | $40,750 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $87,051 | $37,230 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $82,440 | |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $70,719 | $66,500 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Doctoral | $69,338 | |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $68,219 | $23,125 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $67,202 | $21,490 |
| Economics. | Master | $64,493 | $40,849 |
The Risk Factor
66.4% of students at Ohio University-Main Campus graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 34% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Ohio University delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your major choice. The $20,413 annual net price sits reasonably for a public university, but the 66% graduation rate means one in three students never finish their degree.
Engineering graduates earn $100,690 annually with manageable $25,548 debt loads, making this program a clear financial winner. Nursing also pays off well at $97,959 despite higher debt of $41,000. Business administration graduates earn $90,283 but carry $40,750 in debt, reducing the return somewhat. These three majors justify the investment at Ohio University.
The overall median earnings of $52,581 after ten years barely exceed what many two-year programs deliver, suggesting weaker majors drag down the averages. You face significant opportunity cost if you choose lower-paying fields at this school.
The 82% retention rate indicates students generally adapt well to campus life, but the graduation rate gap suggests academic or financial struggles knock many off track. This creates risk if you enter underprepared or without clear career direction.
Ohio University works best for students targeting high-demand fields like engineering, nursing, or business who can handle the academic requirements successfully. The relatively low debt levels make it manageable for middle-class families, especially Ohio residents.
Avoid this school if you plan to study liberal arts or social sciences without clear career paths, as the earnings potential may not justify four years of costs and foregone income. The regional job market in southeastern Ohio limits opportunities outside major metropolitan areas, so factor in potential relocation costs after graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ohio University-Main Campus worth the cost?
Ohio University-Main Campus offers mixed value with a net price of $20,413 and median earnings of $52,581 ten years after graduation. The return depends heavily on your major, with engineering and nursing programs showing strong earnings potential while other programs may struggle to justify the cost.
What are the highest paying majors at Ohio University-Main Campus?
Engineering leads at $100,690 median earnings, followed by nursing at $97,959 and business administration at $90,283. These programs offer solid returns on investment compared to the school's overall graduate earnings of $52,581.
How much student debt do Ohio University-Main Campus graduates have?
The median debt load is $21,056, which is manageable for high-earning majors like engineering but could be challenging for graduates in lower-paying fields. With a 66% graduation rate, there's also risk of taking on debt without completing a degree.
Does Ohio University-Main Campus have good financial aid?
The net price of $20,413 suggests moderate financial aid availability. However, with median post-graduation earnings of $52,581, many students will need to choose their major carefully to ensure the investment pays off.