Ohio University-Southern Campus
Ohio University-Southern Campus — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Ohio University-Southern 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.
1804
222 years old
$886M
$886 million ( FY 2025)
24,937
19,100 undergrad · 5,837 grad
1,288
1,850 acres
Identity
Is Ohio University-Southern Campus Worth It?
Ohio University-Southern Campus offers moderate value at $5,993/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $52,581, which is 2% below average — meaning the financial payoff takes longer than typical. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 0.5 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 20% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 2 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
How Ohio University-Southern Campus compares to peer public colleges of similar tier in OH
Ranked #4 of 18 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 | University of Maine at Fort Kent | 68 | $7,482 | $51,077 |
| #2 | Ohio University-Eastern Campus | 68 | $3,925 | $52,581 |
| #3 | Ohio University-Zanesville Campus | 45 | $5,746 | $52,581 |
| #4 | Ohio University-Southern Campus | 44 | $5,993 | $52,581 |
| #5 | Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Fayette- Eberly | 39 | $14,596 | $63,435 |
| #6 | University of Akron Wayne College | 36 | $6,032 | $46,600 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Ohio University-Southern Campus's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 4 in OH.
Best Programs at Ohio University-Southern Campus
Program-level earnings data isn't available for Ohio University-Southern 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 $5,993/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
- Ironton, OH
- Student Body
- 415 students
- Graduation Rate
- 20%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $5,993
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $52,581
- Median Student Debt
- $21,056