Ohio Christian University
Circleville, Ohio · Private Nonprofit · 38.0% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 11/100 · Poor Value
Ohio Christian University scores 11 (Poor Value) — among the lowest scores in this dataset. The numbers justify the score: a 33.9% completion rate, a 46.2-year payback period, $32,600 median 6-year earnings, and a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.907. At a net price of $20,607 and $24,600 tuition, OCU is not inexpensive. More than 6 in 10 entering students do not complete a degree. Among completers, the 3-year repayment rate of 45% indicates that nearly half of all borrowers are not making progress on their loans. Most program-level data is either null (no first-year earnings reported) or weak (multiple F-grade programs). The Religion/Religious Studies program — 27 graduates — carries a debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.178 (F grade) and $37,000 median debt against $31,410 year-one earnings. The Mental and Social Health Services program has a debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.13 (F grade). Business Administration (39 graduates) earns $46,452 year-one and $58,293 year-four but carries a D grade with $35,515 median debt. OCU is a small faith-based institution (862 students) with an explicitly Christian mission; students who enroll are doing so for reasons the financial data does not capture — but the financial risks are real and well-documented.
The data raises concerns about Ohio Christian University
These metrics fall below the thresholds most financial advisors recommend for a sound college investment. Review them carefully before committing.
- ROI Score11/100 - Poor Value tier (below 45). Most 4-year schools we track score 60 or higher.
- 6-year graduation rate33.9% - Well below the 60% national average. Non-completion is the fastest route to negative ROI.
- Payback period46.2 years - Most 4-year schools we track have payback periods of 4-10 years.
Ohio Christian University
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $24,600/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $24,600/yr |
| Average net price | $20,607/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $82,428 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,813 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $32,600 |
| Median debt at graduation | $29,579 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $314 |
| Estimated payback period | 46.2 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 33.9% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 862 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Ohio Christian University is $24,600/year. But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $20,607/year, or roughly $82,428 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $22,113/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $20,159/year.
The median graduate leaves with $29,579 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $314 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $39,813 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.91 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $22,113 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $22,338 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,292 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,034 |
| $110,001+ | $20,159 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
Families earning under $30,000 pay $22,113 net price per year — roughly $88,000 over four years assuming completion, which happens for only 33.9% of students. At $32,600 median 6-year earnings and a 46.2-year payback, the financial case is very poor. Low-income students have significantly better options within Ohio — community colleges, Ohio public universities, and other regionals — where completion rates and earnings are substantially higher.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
The $48,001-75,000 bracket pays only $15,292 per year — the lowest in the OCU aid schedule — while surrounding brackets pay more, indicating a possible aid targeting artifact. Even at $15,292, the 33.9% completion rate and 46.2-year payback make this a difficult financial choice. Middle-income families who are primarily motivated by OCU's faith mission should plan for the possibility that their student does not complete and factor debt accordingly.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Families earning over $110,000 pay $20,159 per year — close to the institutional average. At a 46.2-year payback, the financial investment is very difficult to justify on economic grounds alone. High-income families are presumably choosing OCU for mission alignment rather than ROI, but they should be clear-eyed that the financial outcomes data shows widespread debt distress even among completers.
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Ohio Christian University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $58,293 | D |
| Religion/Religious Studies | $46,350 | F |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | $43,805 | C |
| Psychology | $42,140 | C |
| Human Services, General | $41,533 | D |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions | $40,901 | F |
| Teacher Education | $40,291 | - |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $44,701 | - |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $53,480 | - |
| Homeland Security | $53,626 | - |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Business Administration, Management, and Operations
Business Administration (39 graduates) earns $46,452 year-one and $58,293 year-four, carrying a D ROI grade (debt-to-earnings 0.765). Median debt of $35,515 is high relative to earnings at every point. Year-one earnings of $46,452 are adequate but the debt burden erodes the financial benefit. This is OCU's strongest program by earnings volume, yet still receives a D grade — a signal of how constrained the institution's overall ROI profile is.
Religion/Religious Studies
Religion/Religious Studies (27 graduates) earns $31,410 year-one and $46,350 year-four with an F ROI grade (debt-to-earnings 1.178). Median debt of $37,000 exceeds year-one earnings by nearly $6,000. This program is the second-largest by reported graduate volume and among the worst financial outcomes at the institution. Students entering ministry or faith-based vocations may accept lower wages as a vocational trade-off, but the financial burden is documented and real.
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
Mental and Social Health Services (14 graduates) earns $40,901 four-year median earnings with an F ROI grade and 1.13 debt-to-earnings ratio. Median debt of $46,200 is the highest at the institution — against four-year earnings that suggest graduates are entering counseling-adjacent roles that require additional licensure. The financial position for these graduates is among the most precarious in this dataset. Year-one earnings are not reported by the Scorecard.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 37.4% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 45.0% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 38.2% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 44.9% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 38.0% |
| Enrollment | 862 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 33.7% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $4,506 |
OCU admits 38% of applicants. The Scorecard does not report test score data. Net price is relatively flat across income brackets — ranging from $15,292 (middle bracket) to $22,338 (second bracket) — suggesting a limited financial aid model that doesn't scale strongly with income. Low-income students face a $22,113 net price per year, which is among the highest per-dollar of earnings in this dataset.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
OCU's Scorecard peer group includes Allegheny Wesleyan College, Art Academy of Cincinnati, Philander Smith University, Huston-Tillotson University, and Fisk University. Among small faith-based Ohio colleges, OCU's completion rate (33.9%) and payback period (46.2 years) are the worst metrics in its peer comparison group. The school's mission differentiation from mainstream higher education is real, but the financial risk profile is among the highest documented in this dataset.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio Christian University (this school) | 11 | $20,607 | $39,813 |
| Allegheny Wesleyan College | 29 | $5,355 | $37,453 |
| Fisk University | 14 | $32,020 | $45,454 |
| Huston-Tillotson University | 14 | $19,719 | $42,937 |
| Philander Smith University | 10 | $14,224 | $38,427 |
| Art Academy of Cincinnati | 9 | $34,253 | $34,368 |
Who Thrives Here
OCU admits 38% of applicants. The Scorecard does not report SAT or ACT data. At 862 students, the school is very small with a tightly focused faith mission and online-heavy delivery in addition to the Circleville campus. Pell rate of 33.7% reflects a moderate share of lower-income students. Students who attend OCU are largely driven by institutional mission alignment, not labor market outcomes. That is a legitimate reason to choose a college — but it requires honest financial planning given the poor ROI metrics.
The Verdict: The Numbers Don't Add Up
The financial data raises serious concerns about Ohio Christian University. With a net cost of $20,607 per year and median graduate earnings of only $39,813 ten years out, the estimated payback period exceeds 46.2 years. For most students, the financial return does not justify the cost.
Areas of concern include weak earnings relative to cost and a 33.9% graduation rate and high debt relative to what graduates earn and concerning loan repayment rates and a long payback period.
Median debt of $29,579 against $39,813 in earnings is concerning. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.74 exceeds the commonly recommended threshold. Major choice is critical here.
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Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.