Median Earnings (1yr)
$29,605
48th percentile (60th in OH)
Median Debt
$23,500
4% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.79
Manageable
Sample Size
210
Adequate data

Analysis

Ohio State-Lima's English program demonstrates something relatively rare: meaningful income growth after graduation. Starting earnings of $29,605 jump to over $40,000 by year four—a 36% increase that suggests graduates are finding their footing in the job market rather than plateauing early. Among Ohio's 71 English programs, this one sits in the 60th percentile for earnings, outperforming the state median of $27,355. That's a modest but real advantage in a field where regional differences matter more than national comparisons.

The debt picture is reasonable at $23,500, slightly lower than both state and national averages for English majors. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.79 means graduates owe less than a year's starting salary—manageable territory, especially given the strong earnings trajectory. With 31% of students receiving Pell grants, this campus serves a significant number of lower-income students who are achieving outcomes comparable to or better than peers at other Ohio institutions.

The practical consideration: your child won't command impressive starting pay, but the growth curve suggests this program equips graduates with skills that become more valuable with experience. For a family looking at Ohio State's brand recognition combined with regional campus affordability, this represents a solid middle-of-the-pack option in a notoriously challenging major.

Where Ohio State University-Lima Campus Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all english language and literature bachelors's programs nationally

Ohio State University-Lima CampusOther english language and literature 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 $30k, placing them in the 48th percentile of all english language and literature 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

English Language and Literature bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (71 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Ohio State University-Lima Campus$29,605$40,281$23,5000.79
Wright State University-Main Campus$33,011$34,569$24,1400.73
Wright State University-Lake Campus$33,011$34,569$24,1400.73
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus$30,946—$22,6250.73
The College of Wooster$30,746$32,067$26,7170.87
University of Dayton$30,063$46,560$24,3980.81
National Median$29,967—$24,5290.82

Other English Language and Literature Programs in Ohio

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Ohio schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Wright State University-Main Campus
Dayton
$11,188$33,011$24,140
Wright State University-Lake Campus
Celina
$7,504$33,011$24,140
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
Cincinnati
$13,570$30,946$22,625
The College of Wooster
Wooster
$59,550$30,746$26,717
University of Dayton
Dayton
$47,600$30,063$24,398

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 210 graduates with reported earnings and 227 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.