Ohio University-Lancaster Campus
Ohio University-Lancaster Campus — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Ohio University-Lancaster Campus at a Glance
Ohio University is a public research university with its main campus in Athens, Ohio, United States. Founded in 1804, it was the first university established in the former Northwest Territory. The university enrolled about 25,000 undergraduate and graduate students in Athens as of 2023. It maintains seven regional and extension campuses across Ohio.
Is Ohio University-Lancaster Campus Worth It?
At a value score of 33/100, Ohio University-Lancaster Campus is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $52,581 — 2% below average — while paying $5,650/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 0.4 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 14% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 1 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Ohio University-Lancaster Campus has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Ohio University-Lancaster Campus compares to peer public colleges of similar tier in OH
Ranked #26 of 46 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | New College of Florida | 100 | $7,195 | $48,082 |
| #2 | University of Minnesota-Morris | 90 | $8,837 | $50,919 |
| #3 | Grays Harbor College | 75 | $4,783 | $40,865 |
| #4 | University of Maine at Fort Kent | 68 | $7,482 | $51,077 |
| #5 | Ohio University-Eastern Campus | 68 | $3,925 | $52,581 |
| #6 | University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma | 64 | $6,624 | $41,913 |
| #26 | Ohio University-Lancaster Campus | 33 | $5,650 | $52,581 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Ohio University-Lancaster Campus's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 11 in OH.
Best Programs at Ohio University-Lancaster Campus
Program-level earnings data isn't available for Ohio University-Lancaster Campus. When evaluating whether to attend, research outcomes for your specific major using the Department of Education's College Scorecard or ask the admissions office for placement rates.
As a general rule: STEM, nursing, accounting, and computer science programs tend to deliver the strongest ROI regardless of institution. Humanities and arts programs can still be worthwhile, but require more intentional career planning to achieve financial payoff.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $5,650/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Similar Colleges in OH
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Lancaster, OH
- Student Body
- 691 students
- Graduation Rate
- 14%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $5,650
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $52,581
- Median Student Debt
- $21,056