Ohio State University-Main Campus
Columbus, Ohio · Public · 60.6% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 77/100 · Strong Value
Ohio State University-Main Campus
Strong ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $13,244/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $40,022/yr |
| Average net price | $17,339/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $69,356 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $60,409 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $41,500 |
| Median debt at graduation | $19,976 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $212 |
| Estimated payback period | 8.2 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 87.7% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 45,638 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,885 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,751 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,807 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,461 |
| $110,001+ | $27,359 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Ohio State University-Main Campus with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Financial Management | $97,986 | B+ |
| Biology | $64,324 | D |
| Marketing | $81,119 | B |
| Communication and Media Studies | $62,096 | C |
| Computer Engineering | $123,731 | A |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services | $73,594 | C |
| Accounting | $90,850 | B |
| Neurobiology and Neurosciences | $68,480 | D |
| Economics | $75,485 | C+ |
| International Relations | $65,972 | C |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Ohio State University-Main Campus is $13,244/year ($40,022/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $17,339/year, or roughly $69,356 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $4,885/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $27,359/year. The school provides substantial aid to low-income students, making it significantly more affordable than the sticker price suggests.
The median graduate leaves with $19,976 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $212 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $60,409 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.48 - well within manageable territory.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 70.8% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 74.7% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 68.0% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 73.1% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 60.6% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 670-760 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 640-720 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 28-32 |
| Enrollment | 45,638 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 20.2% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $14,386 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio State University-Main Campus (this school) | 77 | $17,339 | $60,409 |
| Rutgers University-New Brunswick | 83 | $24,406 | $74,479 |
| Florida International University | 81 | $9,288 | $60,249 |
| University of South Carolina-Columbia | 72 | $22,811 | $62,177 |
| University of Akron Wayne College | 48 | $6,032 | $46,600 |
| University of Akron Main Campus | 38 | $13,946 | $46,600 |
The Verdict: The Investment Pays Off
Ohio State University-Main Campus delivers above-average financial returns for its graduates. At a net cost of $17,339 per year ($69,356 over four years), graduates earn a median of $60,409 ten years after enrollment. That puts the payback period at roughly 8.2 years - a solid return on the investment.
The data highlights several strengths: strong earnings premium over high school graduates, a 87.7% graduation rate, manageable debt relative to earnings.
Median debt of $19,976 against $60,409 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.