Business/Commerce at Ohio State University-Main Campus

Ohio State's business program delivers exactly what you'd expect from a large state flagship: solid middle-of-the-pack outcomes at a reasonable price. Graduates earn slightly above the national median for business programs, and among Ohio's 22 business schools, this ranks in the 60th percentile—respectable but not exceptional. The first-year salary of $48,597 grows to $54,191 by year four, a healthy 12% increase that suggests stable career progression.

The standout feature here is the debt picture. At $19,900, graduates leave owing roughly $6,000 less than the national median and $4,000 less than typical Ohio business graduates. This translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41—meaning your child would owe less than five months of their starting salary. That's remarkably manageable for a flagship university. The combination means most graduates should be able to pay down their loans quickly while building a career.

What this program isn't: a springboard to elite earnings. Schools like DeVry and Franklin University place their Ohio business graduates into higher-paying first jobs. But Ohio State offers the brand recognition and alumni network of a major state university at a cost that won't burden your child for years. For a student who can get in-state tuition, this is a low-risk path to a business career with room to grow.