At $12,458/yr net price, Ohio State University-Lima Campus graduates earn $60,409/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $26,409/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,458 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $49,832 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $60,409/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$26,409/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 18.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,976 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,405/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,869/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,281/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,239/yr |
| $110,001+ | $17,138/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $46,924 | $19,748 |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $32,772 | $21,668 |
| History. | Bachelor | $32,108 | $19,838 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Bachelor | $30,988 | $20,000 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $30,835 | $19,500 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $30,092 | $20,500 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $30,072 | $22,017 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Bachelor | $29,845 | $21,197 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $28,989 | $20,000 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $28,960 | $13,000 |
The Risk Factor
18.1% of students at Ohio State University-Lima Campus graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Ohio State University-Lima Campus presents a challenging financial picture with a graduation rate of just 18% that undermines any potential return on investment. The $60,409 median earnings figure misleads because it only captures the small fraction of students who actually complete their degrees.
Business majors earn $46,924 annually with nearly $20,000 in debt, creating a manageable debt-to-income ratio for graduates who finish. However, with fewer than one in five students graduating, your odds of reaching that earning potential are poor. Social Work, History, Psychology, and Allied Health programs all produce earnings below $35,000, making the debt burden problematic even for the few who graduate.
The 43% retention rate signals that most students leave after freshman year, often with debt but no degree. This pattern suggests academic preparation issues or poor program fit that creates financial risk without reward. You face a high probability of accumulating debt while failing to complete your program.
This campus works financially only if you plan to transfer to Ohio State's main campus after completing prerequisites at the lower Lima cost. The $12,458 net price offers savings for students certain they can handle the academic demands and complete their degree elsewhere in the OSU system.
You should look elsewhere if you need strong academic support, campus resources, or want to complete your entire degree at one location. The combination of low graduation rates and weak earnings in most programs makes this a poor financial choice for students seeking a standalone four-year degree experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ohio State University-Lima Campus worth the cost?
With a net price of $12,458 annually and 10-year earnings of $60,409, Ohio State Lima offers decent value for the money. However, the 18% graduation rate is concerning and significantly impacts actual ROI for many students.
What are the best paying programs at Ohio State University-Lima Campus?
Business/Commerce graduates earn the highest at $46,924 annually, which provides solid returns given the school's low cost. Social Work and other programs pay significantly less, with most hovering around $30,000-$32,000.
How much debt do Ohio State University-Lima Campus graduates typically have?
Median debt is $19,976, which is manageable compared to many schools. Business graduates can handle this debt load, but those in lower-paying fields like Psychology may struggle with repayment.
What is the biggest risk of attending Ohio State University-Lima Campus?
The 18% graduation rate means most students don't finish their degree, leaving them with debt but no credential. Only students committed to completing their program should consider enrollment.