Business Administration, Management and Operations at Ohio State University-Main Campus
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Ohio State's business program produces graduates earning $61,423 right out of school—35% above the national median and well ahead of the $45,641 typical for Ohio business programs. Among the state's 64 business schools, this ranks in the 80th percentile, trailing only Miami and Dayton among major public universities. With debt at $23,250 (below both state and national averages), graduates face a manageable 0.38 debt-to-earnings ratio that allows them to service loans while building savings.
The trajectory looks strong: four-year earnings jump to $73,933, representing 20% growth that suggests meaningful career advancement. This isn't a program where graduates hit an immediate ceiling. The robust sample size (100+ graduates) means these numbers reflect real outcomes, not statistical noise from a handful of alumni.
For an in-state student paying significantly lower tuition than private alternatives, Ohio State delivers flagship-quality outcomes without Miami's price tag or the more limited recruiting reach of regional schools. The 80th percentile standing in Ohio makes this a smart default choice for business-minded students who can gain admission—you're getting near-top-tier results at a fraction of what private competitors charge.
Where Ohio State University-Main Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations bachelors's programs nationally
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-Main Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally
Ohio State University-Main Campus graduates earn $61k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all business administration, management and operations 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 Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (64 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio State University-Main Campus | $61,423 | $73,933 | $23,250 | 0.38 |
| Miami University-Oxford | $67,823 | $84,103 | $25,000 | 0.37 |
| University of Dayton | $63,897 | $75,643 | $23,364 | 0.37 |
| Bowling Green State University-Main Campus | $60,807 | $70,489 | $25,000 | 0.41 |
| University of Cincinnati-Main Campus | $60,360 | $77,827 | $23,452 | 0.39 |
| Ashland University | $58,580 | $62,979 | $26,889 | 0.46 |
| National Median | $45,703 | — | $26,000 | 0.57 |
Other Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs in Ohio
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Ohio schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami University-Oxford Oxford | $17,809 | $67,823 | $25,000 |
| University of Dayton Dayton | $47,600 | $63,897 | $23,364 |
| Bowling Green State University-Main Campus Bowling Green | $14,081 | $60,807 | $25,000 |
| University of Cincinnati-Main Campus Cincinnati | $13,570 | $60,360 | $23,452 |
| Ashland University Ashland | $28,910 | $58,580 | $26,889 |
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-Main Campus, approximately 19% 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 284 graduates with reported earnings and 256 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.