Analysis
Ohio State-Lima's business program combines solid earnings performance with notably low debt—a combination that matters more than either metric alone. At $48,597 in first-year earnings, graduates essentially match the state median while carrying $19,900 in debt, which is roughly $4,000 less than typical Ohio business majors. That 0.41 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe less than half their first-year salary, a manageable starting point by any measure.
The program's 60th percentile ranking among Ohio business schools confirms it's middle-of-the-pack in a competitive state, though earnings growth to $54,191 by year four shows steady career progression. What sets this apart from pricier alternatives isn't exceptional earnings—you'll find higher starting salaries at DeVry or Franklin—but rather the value equation. Many Ohio business programs saddle graduates with $24,000+ in debt for similar outcomes.
For families concerned about educational debt burden, this represents a practical path to a business degree. You're getting Ohio State's credential and career network without the debt load of the flagship Columbus campus. The 31% Pell grant enrollment suggests the school serves cost-conscious families effectively. If your child wants a business degree from a recognized state university system without betting heavily on outsized earnings, this delivers exactly that.
Where Ohio State University-Lima Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/commerce bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Ohio State University-Lima Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio State University-Lima Campus | $48,597 | $54,191 | +12% |
| DeVry University-Ohio | $57,020 | $56,664 | -1% |
| Wright State University-Lake Campus | $46,523 | $54,770 | +18% |
| Wright State University-Main Campus | $46,523 | $54,770 | +18% |
| Ohio State University-Newark Campus | $48,597 | $54,191 | +12% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Business/Commerce bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (22 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9,212 | $48,597 | $54,191 | $19,900 | 0.41 | |
| $17,488 | $57,020 | $56,664 | $47,236 | 0.83 | |
| $9,577 | $51,408 | — | $30,885 | 0.60 | |
| $28,910 | $50,262 | $43,439 | $30,625 | 0.61 | |
| $12,799 | $49,049 | $43,756 | $31,000 | 0.63 | |
| $9,212 | $48,597 | $54,191 | $19,900 | 0.41 | |
| National Median | — | $47,506 | — | $26,000 | 0.55 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/commerce graduates
Sales Managers
Industrial Production Managers
Quality Control Systems Managers
Geothermal Production Managers
Biofuels Production Managers
Biomass Power Plant Managers
Hydroelectric Production Managers
Construction Managers
Administrative Services Managers
Facilities Managers
Security Managers
Chief Executives
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Ohio State University-Lima Campus, approximately 31% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 64 graduates with reported earnings and 57 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.