Psychology at Ohio State University-Main Campus

Columbus, OH · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Psychology, General
39 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
40
Optimistic
39
Base Case
38
Pessimistic
Earnings $32,276/yr (2% vs median)
AI Risk High (49% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (125,000 openings/yr)
ROI 10.4x earnings multiple (3.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #296 of 926 Psychology, General programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Psychology graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $536K $533K $492K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.4x 10.4x 9.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.5x 3.5x 3.2x
Probability of Field Employment 51% 47% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 40 39 38

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$51,436
Out-of-state: $153,460 (3.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$73,168
-42% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,500
7.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$51,498
60% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $32,276/yr, roughly in line with the $31,705 national median for Psychology. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 10.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 8% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Psychology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $19,500 against $32,276/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #296 ranking among 926 Psychology programs places Ohio State University-Main Campus in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $32,276-to-$51,498 earnings arc over five years reflects a 60% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Ohio State University-Main Campus

A 51% admission rate makes Ohio State University-Main Campus accessible to a wide range of qualified students, with 44,617 students enrolled in Columbus, OH.

See all programs and financial aid at Ohio State University-Main Campus →

Top Career Paths

Managers, all other $136,550/yr
Psychologists, all other $117,580/yr
Industrial-organizational psychologists $109,840/yr
View all 6 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Psychology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Ohio State University-Main Campus

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 39/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Psychology at Ohio State University-Main Campus?
At 39/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Psychology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Psychology at Ohio State University-Main Campus?
The 49% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →