At $18,292/yr net price, Ohio State University-Main 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) | $18,292 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $73,168 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $60,409/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$26,409/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 87.7% |
| 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 | $6,259/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,104/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,683/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,870/yr |
| $110,001+ | $27,144/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dentistry. | Master | $248,619 | $162,749 |
| Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other. | Master | $177,325 | |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Master | $140,448 | |
| Dentistry. | Doctoral | $121,226 | $207,650 |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $120,498 | $141,078 |
| Veterinary Medicine. | Master | $115,339 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $108,577 | $48,030 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $104,749 | $39,447 |
| Optometry. | Doctoral | $99,983 | $175,334 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Doctoral | $98,743 |
The Risk Factor
87.7% of students at Ohio State University-Main Campus graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Ohio State University delivers strong financial returns for most students, with a median net price of $18,292 annually and graduates earning $60,409 ten years out. Your debt burden stays manageable at just under $20,000, making this one of the better financial bets among major state universities.
The health sciences programs generate strong returns. Dentistry graduates earn up to $248,619 annually, though you'll carry substantial debt loads exceeding $160,000. Pharmacy graduates see similarly strong earnings around $140,000 with more reasonable debt levels. Biological sciences also pay off well, with some specializations reaching $177,325 in median earnings.
Ohio State's location in Columbus provides access to a diverse job market spanning healthcare, technology, finance, and government sectors. The 87.7% graduation rate and 94.1% retention rate indicate most students successfully complete their programs, reducing the risk of debt without a degree.
You should consider Ohio State if you're planning a career in healthcare, engineering, or business, where the university's strong industry connections translate to job opportunities. The relatively low debt burden makes it accessible for middle-class families who might struggle with private school costs. However, if you're pursuing fields with lower earning potential, the large student body means less individualized attention that might justify the investment at smaller institutions.
Only 19.45% of students receive need-based aid, suggesting most families are expected to pay the full net price. Merit scholarships exist but competition is fierce given the large applicant pool. In-state students get the best deal, while out-of-state students should carefully weigh the higher costs against potential returns in their chosen field.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ohio State University-Main Campus worth the money?
Ohio State offers solid value with a relatively low net price of $18,292 and graduates earning $60,409 after 10 years. The 87.7% graduation rate and moderate debt levels make it a reasonable investment for most students.
What are the highest paying majors at Ohio State University-Main Campus?
Dentistry leads with graduates earning $248,619, followed by biological sciences at $177,325 and pharmacy at $140,448. These professional programs justify their higher costs with strong earning potential.
How much debt do Ohio State University-Main Campus graduates have?
The median debt is $19,976, which is manageable compared to the $60,409 average starting salary. Most graduates can handle this debt load without financial stress.
Does Ohio State University-Main Campus have good financial aid?
The net price of $18,292 suggests decent financial aid for many students. However, aid quality varies significantly based on family income and Ohio residency status.