Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering at Ohio State University-Main Campus

Ohio State's electrical engineering program delivers solidly above-average outcomes at a reasonable price point. Graduates earn $78,872 in their first year—outperforming both the national median ($77,710) and significantly exceeding Ohio's state median ($69,626) by nearly $10,000. With debt under $22,500, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28 means graduates owe less than four months' salary, giving them financial flexibility right out of the gate.

The program ranks in the 60th percentile among Ohio engineering schools, sitting comfortably in the upper half but behind top programs like Case Western ($83,227) and Toledo ($80,876). Earnings grow steadily to $87,656 by year four—an 11% increase that suggests stable career progression. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates makes these figures reliable.

For families weighing options, Ohio State offers a strong value proposition: competitive engineering earnings without the debt burden that often accompanies technical degrees (national median debt for this major is $25,000). Your child won't lead the pack in starting salary, but they'll graduate with manageable debt and solid prospects in a field with proven earning power. If they're admitted to Case Western or Cincinnati, compare financial aid packages carefully—but Ohio State's combination of outcomes and affordability makes it a defensible choice for most families.