At $16,512/yr net price, Ohio State University-Mansfield 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) | $16,512 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $66,048 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $60,409/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$26,409/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 14.1% |
| 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 | $13,255/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,038/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,887/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,969/yr |
| $110,001+ | $21,298/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $46,924 | $19,748 |
| Criminology. | Bachelor | $37,808 | $19,500 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $35,925 | $19,143 |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $32,772 | $21,668 |
| History. | Bachelor | $32,108 | $19,838 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $30,835 | $19,500 |
| 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
14.1% of students at Ohio State University-Mansfield 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-Mansfield Campus presents a challenging financial picture with a graduation rate of just 14% that severely undermines any potential return on investment. While the $16,512 annual net price appears reasonable for a public university, the low completion rates mean most students accumulate debt without earning a degree.
The business program offers the strongest earnings potential at $46,924 annually, though this falls short of what you might expect from the Ohio State brand. Criminology and sociology graduates earn in the mid-to-upper $30,000 range, which provides modest returns given the debt load. Social work graduates face particularly poor prospects, earning just $32,772 while carrying above-average debt of $21,668.
The 31% retention rate signals significant academic and financial risks. Most students either transfer or drop out after freshman year, suggesting the campus may serve better as a stepping stone to Ohio State's main campus rather than a four-year destination. You face substantial odds of leaving without a degree while still owing money.
This campus works best for local students who can live at home and minimize costs, or those planning to transfer to Columbus after completing general education requirements. The low aid rate of 31% means merit scholarships are limited, making affordability depend largely on family resources or commuting to reduce expenses.
If you need a four-year degree with reasonable completion odds, other Ohio public universities offer better graduation rates and similar costs. Mansfield's value proposition relies heavily on accessing Ohio State's network through eventual transfer or accepting significant completion risk for the convenience of local enrollment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ohio State University-Mansfield Campus worth the cost?
The numbers are concerning. With a 14% graduation rate and median earnings of $60,409 ten years after entry, most students either don't finish or earn less than they could at other schools with similar costs.
What are the best paying programs at Ohio State University-Mansfield Campus?
Business and Commerce majors earn the most at around $47,000 annually, which is decent for the region. However, other popular programs like Social Work and History pay significantly less, with graduates earning in the low $30,000s.
How much debt do Ohio State University-Mansfield Campus graduates have?
The median debt load is $19,976, which is manageable compared to many schools. But with the low graduation rate, many students may accumulate debt without finishing their degree.
Why is the graduation rate so low at Ohio State University-Mansfield Campus?
At 14%, the graduation rate suggests serious retention problems that could indicate poor student support or academic preparation issues. This makes the investment risky since most students don't complete their programs.