Ohio State University-Marion Campus: $9,212 Tuition

$9,212Tuition

842Students

26%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$60,409Earnings

Public4-yearStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Ohio State University-Marion Campus

Ohio State University-Marion serves as a bridge campus where students begin their Buckeye journey in a smaller setting. The campus enrolls 842 students who complete their first two years before transferring to the main Columbus campus to finish their degrees. This regional approach gives students access to Ohio State's academic reputation without the overwhelming scale of a major research university.

The financial picture tells a compelling story for Ohio families. Students pay an average net price of $11,800 annually, with low-income families paying just $7,472 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $60,409 ten years after starting college, making the typical debt load of $19,976 manageable with monthly payments around $212. The employment rate hits 96.4%, suggesting strong job market outcomes for Marion graduates.

The campus draws entirely from Ohio, creating a tight-knit community of in-state students. However, retention presents a challenge, with only 49% of students returning for their sophomore year. The 4-year graduation rate of 21% reflects the campus's transfer mission rather than poor performance. Students benefit from a 15:1 student-faculty ratio while preparing for the transition to Columbus or entry into the workforce.

Academics & Faculty

Ohio State Marion serves as a bridge campus where students complete their first two years before transferring to Columbus. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio provides more personal attention than typical at large universities. However, the 21% four-year graduation rate reflects that most students transfer rather than complete degrees here. The campus offers foundational coursework across Ohio State's academic spectrum, from business and liberal arts to pre-engineering and pre-nursing tracks. Students get the Ohio State credential while building confidence in smaller classes. The 49% retention rate indicates this transitional model works for about half the students who start here.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Full-Time Faculty: 46.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 21.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 25.7%
Retention Rate: 49.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $60,409
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate/Associate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Business/Commerce, General.	Bachelor	$46,924
Social Work.	Bachelor	$32,772
History.	Bachelor	$32,108
Psychology, General.	Bachelor	$30,835
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

View all 9 programs →

Campus Life

This regional campus serves 842 students who want the Ohio State experience without Columbus crowds. Marion sits about 45 miles north of Columbus in small-town Ohio, where winters demand heavy coats and snow boots while spring brings mild, pleasant weather. The campus operates on a commuter model with no dormitories, meaning all students drive in from surrounding communities.

With a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, classes feel more like high school than a massive university. The retention rate of 49% reflects the campus's role as a stepping stone - many students complete their first two years here before transferring to Ohio State's main campus in Columbus. Weekend social life centers around off-campus gatherings since there's no residence hall culture. Students often drive to Columbus for concerts, sporting events, and nightlife. The campus maintains Ohio State traditions like Buckeye pride and scarlet-and-gray spirit, but daily life feels more like a community college than a Big Ten university. Most students work part-time jobs in Marion while taking classes.

Setting: Town-Distant
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Stalking	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 17°–33°F
July Avg: 61°–83°F
Annual Precipitation: 76.6"
Annual Snowfall: 22.3"

Student Demographics

Ohio State Marion draws entirely from Ohio, reflecting its role as an affordable pathway into the broader OSU system. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, showing the campus serves working-class families seeking quality higher education without the expense of a major university town. The student body splits evenly between men and women, typical for a general education campus. With 842 students, this creates a tight-knit community where local high school graduates can start their Buckeye journey close to home before many transfer to Columbus for specialized programs.

Men: 49.6%
Women: 50.4%
White: 73.8%
Black: 5.1%
Hispanic: 5.0%
Asian: 8.3%
In-State Students: 100.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 25.8%

Location

Marion sits about 45 miles north of Columbus in central Ohio's agricultural heartland. This small city of roughly 36,000 residents offers a quintessential small-town atmosphere where students can focus on academics without big-city distractions. The campus serves exclusively Ohio residents, with 100% of its 842 students coming from in-state. Marion's downtown features historic brick buildings and local businesses that cater to both college students and longtime residents. The surrounding area is characterized by farmland and rural communities, providing a peaceful setting for the first two years of college. Students pay an average net price of $11,800 annually. Students considering colleges in Ohio may also compare Ohio State University-Marion Campus with similar schools in the region.

Address: Marion, Ohio 43302-5695

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 the retention rate at Ohio State University-Marion Campus?

Ohio State University-Marion Campus has a retention rate of 49.01%, meaning roughly half of first-year students return for their second year. This regional campus serves as a stepping stone to the main Columbus campus, allowing students to complete their first two years in a smaller town setting before transferring.

How much does Ohio State University-Marion Campus cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Ohio State University-Marion Campus is $11,800 annually. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $7,472 on average, while those from higher-income families ($110,000+) pay around $15,908 after aid.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Ohio State University-Marion Campus?

Ohio State University-Marion Campus maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio with 842 total students enrolled. This smaller scale provides more personalized attention than the massive Columbus campus while still offering access to Ohio State's academic reputation and degree programs.

What are the graduation rates at Ohio State University-Marion Campus?

Only 25.70% of students graduate within six years from Ohio State University-Marion Campus. However, this reflects the campus's role as a transfer center where many students complete their degrees at other OSU campuses rather than staying in Marion for all four years.

Where is Ohio State University-Marion Campus located and who attends?

Ohio State University-Marion Campus sits in Marion, Ohio, a small town setting that serves 100% in-state students. The student body is 73.75% white with a roughly even gender split, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere distinct from urban campuses.

How much do Ohio State University-Marion Campus graduates earn?

Graduates from Ohio State University-Marion Campus earn a median salary of $60,409 ten years after starting college. With an employment rate of 96.4% and typical monthly loan payments of $212, most graduates successfully enter the workforce despite the campus's modest graduation statistics.