About Ohio State University-Lima Campus
The financial picture makes this campus particularly attractive for budget-conscious students. After aid, students pay an average net price of $12,458, which drops to just $8,405 for families earning under $30,000. Graduates earn a median of $60,409 ten years after starting college, while carrying median debt of only $19,976. Monthly loan payments average a manageable $212, making OSU-Lima one of the more affordable paths to a respected degree.
The campus draws almost exclusively from Ohio, with 98.85% of students coming from in-state. However, retention proves challenging, with only 43.35% of students returning for sophomore year. The 19.56% four-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students transfer to OSU's main campus in Columbus after completing their foundational coursework in Lima's more intimate academic environment.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 36.1%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 19.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 18.1%
- Retention Rate
- 43.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $60,409
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $46,924 |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $32,772 |
| History. | Bachelor | $32,108 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Bachelor | $30,988 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $30,835 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $30,092 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $30,072 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Bachelor | $29,845 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $28,989 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $28,960 |
Campus Life
Winter in Lima means heavy coats and snow boots from December through February, while spring and fall offer comfortable temperatures for walking the wooded campus. Nearly 99% of students come from Ohio, creating a tight-knit community where most commute from nearby towns. The campus doesn't offer residence halls, so weekends often mean heading home or gathering at local spots like Johnny's Pizza or the Lima Mall. Students frequently make the hour-plus drive to Columbus for Ohio State football games or bigger entertainment options. The campus culture revolves around academics and preparation for transfer to main campus, with study groups and tutoring sessions common as students work toward their four-year degree goals.
- Setting
- Rural-Fringe
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 19°–33°F
- July Avg
- 63°–84°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 75.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 45.7%
- Women
- 54.3%
- White
- 76.5%
- Black
- 6.0%
- Hispanic
- 6.1%
- Asian
- 4.3%
- In-State Students
- 98.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 31.2%
Location
- Address
- Lima, Ohio 45804
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $60,409
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $66,114
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $41,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 62.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $212/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $19,976
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ohio State University-Lima Campus known for academically?
Ohio State Lima serves as a regional campus offering the first two years of most OSU degree programs with smaller class sizes. With a 16:1 student-faculty ratio and only 656 students enrolled, it provides more personalized attention than the main Columbus campus. Students typically complete their general education requirements here before transferring to complete their degrees.
How much does Ohio State University-Lima Campus cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $12,458 per year, making it more affordable than many four-year institutions. In-state tuition runs $9,212, while students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $8,405 after aid. About 31% of students receive financial aid, with the average institutional grant being $4,560.
What are the graduation rates at Ohio State University-Lima Campus?
The four-year graduation rate is 19.56%, while the six-year rate reaches only 18.10%. These low completion rates reflect the campus's role as a transfer institution where most students move to other campuses or schools to finish their degrees. The retention rate of 43.35% indicates many students leave after their first year.
Where is Ohio State University-Lima Campus located and what is the setting like?
The campus sits in Lima, Ohio, in a rural-fringe setting that combines small-town atmosphere with access to larger metropolitan areas. Nearly 99% of the 656 students are Ohio residents, creating a tight-knit community feel. The rural-fringe location offers lower living costs while maintaining connections to Ohio State's broader network.
What are the job prospects for Ohio State University-Lima Campus graduates?
Graduates achieve a 96.4% employment rate, demonstrating strong job market success despite the campus's modest size. The median earnings reach $60,409 ten years after enrollment, with graduates carrying a manageable median debt of $19,976. Monthly loan payments average $212, making the debt burden reasonable given earning potential.
Does Ohio State University-Lima Campus have a diverse student body?
The student body is 54.27% women and 45.73% men, with moderate gender balance across the 656 enrolled students. However, racial diversity is limited, with 76.52% of students identifying as white and smaller percentages of Black (5.95%), Hispanic (6.10%), and Asian (4.27%) students. The campus reflects the demographics of rural Ohio communities it primarily serves.
