Students at Ohio State University consistently achieve strong financial outcomes that place the institution among the top performers nationally for graduate earnings.
The combination of solid long-term earning potential and excellent loan repayment success creates a compelling value proposition for students and families.
Ohio State University-Main Campus stands as Ohio's flagship institution, delivering exceptional value through its combination of academic breadth, research excellence, and strong graduate outcomes. As one of the nation's largest public research universities, OSU consistently produces graduates who earn well above typical expectations, with median 10-year earnings of $60,409 that place the institution in the top 20% nationally for long-term financial returns.
The university serves a moderately selective student body, with about 19% of students receiving Pell Grants and 26% being first-generation college students. While access is somewhat limited compared to typical public universities, OSU excels at converting that selectivity into meaningful outcomes. The institution's "Selective Achievers" designation reflects its ability to deliver strong earnings and graduation rates, particularly for students who can navigate its competitive academic environment.
With over 65,000 students and comprehensive program offerings spanning business, engineering, health sciences, and liberal arts, OSU provides the scale and resources of a major research university while maintaining focus on undergraduate success. The combination of strong alumni networks, employer recognition, and consistent graduate outcomes makes OSU a compelling choice for students seeking both prestige and practical career preparation in Ohio and beyond.
Ohio State University's program portfolio reflects the breadth and depth expected from a major flagship research university. Banking and Financial Support Services stands out as the highest aggregate return program, combining substantial enrollment of 741 graduates with strong median earnings of $60,701, making it a key economic engine for the institution. Psychology remains the most popular major with 550 graduates annually, though at more moderate earnings levels around $30,835, reflecting the field's diverse career pathways.
The university's engineering programs deliver some of the strongest individual financial outcomes, with Industrial Engineering graduates earning a median of $75,667 ten years after graduation. This premium reflects both the technical rigor of engineering education and strong employer demand in Ohio's manufacturing and technology sectors. Other engineering disciplines, business programs, and health sciences also contribute significantly to OSU's overall earnings performance.
As one of the nation's largest public research universities, OSU graduates substantial cohorts annually across dozens of fields, creating meaningful industry presence and extensive alumni network density. This scale provides advantages in employer recruitment, internship opportunities, and career placement that smaller institutions cannot match, helping explain why graduates across diverse majors achieve consistently strong long-term financial outcomes.
Ohio State University graduates achieve strong long-term financial outcomes that consistently exceed national averages. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $60,409, placing the university in the top 20% nationally for graduate earnings. This performance reflects both the institution's academic rigor and its extensive employer connections throughout Ohio and the Midwest, where OSU's reputation opens doors to competitive career opportunities.
The university's program mix drives much of this success, with Banking and Financial Support Services leading as the highest aggregate return major, graduating 741 students annually with median earnings of $60,701. Industrial Engineering delivers some of the strongest individual outcomes at $75,667 in median earnings, while Psychology remains the largest program by enrollment with 550 graduates, though at more moderate earnings levels around $30,835. This pattern reflects OSU's strength in professional and technical fields, where employer demand remains consistently high and starting salaries provide solid foundations for career growth.
OSU's scale as a major research university creates meaningful advantages for graduate outcomes. The institution's comprehensive program portfolio, from business and engineering to health sciences and liberal arts, combined with its extensive alumni network and strong employer relationships, helps explain why graduates consistently outperform earnings expectations in their early careers and maintain that advantage over time.
Ohio State University offers predictable affordability that varies significantly by family income level. Low-income students pay about $6,259 annually after aid, well below national averages and making OSU accessible to Pell-eligible families. Middle-income families see net prices around $12,683 per year, while higher-income students face costs of approximately $27,144 annually, reflecting the university's approach of concentrating aid on students with the greatest financial need.
Debt levels at OSU remain manageable relative to graduate earning potential. Typical students leave with about $19,976 in federal loan debt, while families who choose Parent PLUS loans borrow an average of $20,783. These amounts align well with the university's strong graduate earnings, creating sustainable repayment scenarios for most borrowers. The institution's zero percent federal loan default rate demonstrates that graduates generally manage their debt obligations successfully.
What makes OSU particularly sustainable financially is the combination of reasonable debt levels and strong earning potential. With median graduate earnings of $60,409 ten years out, most borrowers can comfortably handle standard loan repayment while building long-term financial security. The university's reputation and alumni network also provide ongoing career advantages that help graduates maximize their return on educational investment over time.
Ohio State University-Main Campus Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
