Ohio State University-Main Campus ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$51,436
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$16,438/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
3.1 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
539%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Ohio State University-Main Campus has a strong return on investment. The median debt for students is $19,976. One year after graduation, the median earnings are $49,087. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $51,438, and ten years after graduation, earnings reach $60,409.
The debt-to-income ratio is favorable for graduates. With a median debt of $19,976 and earnings of $49,087 one year after graduation, the debt is a manageable portion of the annual income. The relatively low tuition cost of $12,859 for in-state students, combined with the high earnings potential, suggests a relatively short break-even timeline for the investment in education.
Ohio State University-Main Campus has a high retention rate of 94.1% and a graduation rate of 87.9%, indicating a high level of student success. The university's acceptance rate is 50.8%, and 30.4% of students receive financial aid.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$12,859
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,976
Median Earnings (5yr)
$51,438
Graduation Rate
88%
Receive Financial Aid
30%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $91,991 | 2116% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $133,552 | 3732% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $127,871 | 3511% |
| Psychology, General | $44,475 | 268% |
| Biology, General | $51,478 | 541% |
| Social Work | $51,649 | 547% |
| Computer Engineering | $94,224 | 2203% |
| Communication and Media Studies | $54,473 | 657% |
| Marketing | $69,870 | 1256% |
| Accounting and Related Services | $82,774 | 1758% |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering | $104,002 | 2583% |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services | $59,729 | 862% |
Peer Comparison
539%
20yr ROI
792%
20yr ROI
442%
20yr ROI
687%
20yr ROI
28%
20yr ROI
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Frequently Asked Questions
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.