At $21,619/yr net price, Ohio Wesleyan University graduates earn $55,624/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $21,624/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,619 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $86,476 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $55,624/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$21,624/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 61.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,920/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,089/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,819/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,444/yr |
| $110,001+ | $30,353/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $51,273 | $27,000 |
| Business/Managerial Economics. | Bachelor | $43,798 | |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $31,848 | $27,000 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $30,409 | $26,800 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $26,585 | $27,000 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Bachelor | $23,649 | |
| Zoology/Animal Biology. | Bachelor | $20,140 | $24,000 |
The Risk Factor
61.7% of students at Ohio Wesleyan University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 38% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Ohio Wesleyan University delivers weak financial returns that struggle to justify its costs. With median 10-year earnings of $55,624 against a net price of $21,619 annually, you face a lengthy payback period that many similar schools handle better.
Your major choice determines whether this investment makes sense. Accounting graduates earn $51,273 with standard debt loads, making it the only program with solid financial prospects. Business economics offers moderate returns at $43,798. Beyond these business-focused tracks, earnings drop sharply. Psychology majors earn just $26,585 while carrying the same $27,000 debt burden as accounting students, creating a poor risk-reward ratio.
The 61.70% graduation rate creates significant financial risk since you pay the same costs whether you finish or not. Nearly four in ten students leave without their degree, losing both time and money. The 84.26% retention rate suggests many students recognize problems early but still face transfer costs.
Ohio Wesleyan works financially if you pursue accounting or business economics and graduate on time. The school's location in Delaware, Ohio limits local internship and job opportunities compared to larger metropolitan areas, potentially hampering career development.
Only 24.61% of students receive need-based aid, suggesting limited financial assistance for middle-income families. This makes the school particularly expensive for families who earn too much for aid but struggle with the full cost. You should have strong academic credentials to maximize any merit scholarship opportunities and seriously consider whether comparable programs at state universities offer better value propositions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ohio Wesleyan University worth the cost?
With graduates earning $55,624 ten years after starting, Ohio Wesleyan provides decent returns but not exceptional ones given the $21,619 annual net price. The accounting program offers the strongest financial outcomes at $51,273, while psychology and political science graduates earn significantly less.
What are the best paying majors at Ohio Wesleyan University?
Accounting leads at $51,273 in median earnings, followed by business economics at $43,798. Education and liberal arts majors like psychology and political science earn considerably less, with psychology graduates making just $26,585.
How much debt do Ohio Wesleyan University graduates have?
The median debt load is $27,000, which is manageable given the overall graduate earnings of $55,624. However, students in lower-paying majors like psychology may struggle more with loan payments relative to their income.
Does Ohio Wesleyan University have good graduation rates?
The 61.70% graduation rate is below average for four-year colleges. This means nearly 40% of students don't complete their degree, which significantly impacts the return on investment for those who don't finish.