At $5,328/yr net price, Ohio University-Southern 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) | $5,328 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $21,312 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $52,581/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$18,581/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 19.3% |
| 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 | $2,860/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,266/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,819/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $6,961/yr |
| $110,001+ | $8,697/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $50,970 | $14,625 |
| 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
19.3% of students at Ohio University-Southern 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-Southern Campus offers one of the most affordable college experiences in Ohio, but the extremely low graduation rate creates significant financial risk. With only 19% of students completing their degrees, most who enroll will leave with debt but no credential to show for it.
The nursing program provides the clearest path to positive returns, with graduates earning $50,970 annually against manageable debt of $14,625. This represents solid value in southeastern Ohio's healthcare market. Criminal justice graduates earn $36,852 with even lower debt loads, making it another viable option for regional law enforcement careers.
Business administration shows weaker returns at $30,771 in earnings, while liberal arts graduates face challenging prospects with median earnings of just $24,615 against $19,000 in debt. These programs struggle to justify their costs even at this low-priced institution.
The school's biggest financial risk lies in its poor retention and completion rates. You face a 62% chance of dropping out after your first year and an 81% chance of never graduating. The low percentage of students receiving aid suggests limited institutional support for struggling students.
This campus works best for local students pursuing nursing or criminal justice who can minimize living costs and have strong family support systems. The $5,328 annual net price makes it accessible for families who cannot afford traditional four-year programs elsewhere.
You should look elsewhere if you need extensive academic support services, want a traditional college experience, or plan to study liberal arts. The completion rates suggest this environment works for highly self-motivated students but fails most others who enroll.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ohio University-Southern Campus worth the cost?
With a low net price of $5,328 per year and median debt of $21,056, Ohio University-Southern Campus offers affordable education. However, the 19% graduation rate raises serious concerns about completing your degree.
What programs at Ohio University-Southern Campus have the best ROI?
Nursing programs at Ohio University-Southern Campus lead to median earnings of $50,970, making them the clear winners for return on investment. Criminal Justice graduates earn $36,852, while Liberal Arts majors average just $24,615.
How much debt do Ohio University-Southern Campus graduates typically have?
Ohio University-Southern Campus graduates who borrowed money have median debt of $21,056. Given the low tuition costs, this debt level suggests many students take longer than expected to graduate or need living expense loans.
What is the biggest risk of attending Ohio University-Southern Campus?
The biggest risk is not graduating at all - only 19% of students complete their programs. Students who don't finish still face debt without the degree needed to pay it back.