Median Earnings (1yr)
$48,597
54th percentile (60th in OH)
Median Debt
$19,900
23% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.41
Manageable
Sample Size
64
Adequate data

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

Ohio State University-Lima CampusOther business/commerce programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Ohio State University-Lima Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally

Ohio State University-Lima Campus graduates earn $49k, placing them in the 54th percentile of all business/commerce bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

Business/Commerce bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (22 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Ohio State University-Lima Campus$48,597$54,191$19,9000.41
DeVry University-Ohio$57,020$56,664$47,2360.83
Franklin University$51,408—$30,8850.60
Ashland University$50,262$43,439$30,6250.61
University of Akron Main Campus$49,049$43,756$31,0000.63
Ohio State University-Mansfield Campus$48,597$54,191$19,9000.41
National Median$47,506—$26,0000.55

Other Business/Commerce Programs in Ohio

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Ohio schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
DeVry University-Ohio
Columbus
$17,488$57,020$47,236
Franklin University
Columbus
$9,577$51,408$30,885
Ashland University
Ashland
$28,910$50,262$30,625
University of Akron Main Campus
Akron
$12,799$49,049$31,000
Ohio State University-Mansfield Campus
Mansfield
$9,212$48,597$19,900

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.