Economics at Ohio State University-Main Campus

Ohio State's economics program produces outcomes that fall squarely in the middle of the pack—both nationally and within Ohio. First-year graduates earn $50,209, which lands below the state median of $51,536 and puts this program in just the 40th percentile among Ohio economics degrees. That positioning is notable given OSU's strong reputation and selectivity. Students take on $23,125 in debt, which matches the state median exactly, resulting in a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46.

The 21% earnings growth to $60,626 by year four suggests the degree provides solid long-term career mobility, even if the starting point lags behind competitors like John Carroll ($65,098) and Cincinnati ($58,590). For context, you're looking at roughly $8,000 less in first-year earnings compared to these in-state alternatives, though all share similar debt loads.

For an anxious parent, the calculus here depends on net price. If OSU comes in significantly cheaper after aid—especially for in-state families—these middle-of-the-road outcomes become more defensible. But if you're paying comparable tuition to the higher-earning programs listed above, the return on investment weakens considerably. This isn't a bad program, but it's not leveraging OSU's brand into premium economics outcomes either.