Business Administration, Management and Operations at Ohio State University-Main Campus
Bachelor's Degree
osu.eduAnalysis
Ohio State's business program produces graduates earning $61,423 right out of schoolβ35% 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 admissionβyou'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
Earnings Distribution
How Ohio State University-Main 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-Main Campus | $61,423 | $73,933 | +20% |
| Miami University-Oxford | $67,823 | $84,103 | +24% |
| University of Cincinnati-Main Campus | $60,360 | $77,827 | +29% |
| University of Dayton | $63,897 | $75,643 | +18% |
| Bowling Green State University-Main Campus | $60,807 | $70,489 | +16% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (64 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $12,859 | $61,423 | $73,933 | $23,250 | 0.38 | |
| $17,809 | $67,823 | $84,103 | $25,000 | 0.37 | |
| $47,600 | $63,897 | $75,643 | $23,364 | 0.37 | |
| $14,081 | $60,807 | $70,489 | $25,000 | 0.41 | |
| $13,570 | $60,360 | $77,827 | $23,452 | 0.39 | |
| $28,910 | $58,580 | $62,979 | $26,889 | 0.46 | |
| National Median | β | $45,703 | β | $26,000 | 0.57 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business administration, management and operations graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Compensation and Benefits Managers
Human Resources Managers
Sales Managers
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.