Analysis
Ohio State's health/medical preparatory program earns graduates $39,642 in their first year—$6,000 above the national median and $4,700 more than the typical Ohio program. While it ranks in the 60th percentile statewide (behind Kent State but ahead of Miami and Akron), it outperforms 78% of similar programs nationally. The $22,334 median debt sits comfortably below both state and national averages, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.56 that most families can manage.
The real strength here is trajectory: earnings jump 31% to $52,034 by year four, suggesting graduates are successfully moving into their intended healthcare careers or graduate programs. This growth pattern is exactly what you want from a pre-professional program—it indicates the degree is opening doors rather than serving as a terminal credential. The moderate sample size means these outcomes are reasonably stable, though individual results will vary based on which healthcare path students ultimately pursue.
For families comparing options, Ohio State delivers stronger outcomes than most in-state alternatives at a lower debt burden. The combination of solid first-year earnings and strong growth makes this a pragmatic choice, especially if your student is serious about continuing into medical, dental, or allied health programs where this bachelor's degree serves as the foundation.
Where Ohio State University-Main Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health/medical preparatory programs 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 | $39,642 | $52,034 | +31% |
| University of Dayton | $20,263 | $61,398 | +203% |
| Cleveland State University | $23,755 | $53,829 | +127% |
| Kent State University at Ashtabula | $41,924 | $48,056 | +15% |
| Kent State University at Kent | $41,924 | $48,056 | +15% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (20 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $12,859 | $39,642 | $52,034 | $22,334 | 0.56 | |
| $7,272 | $41,924 | $48,056 | $27,000 | 0.64 | |
| $12,846 | $41,924 | $48,056 | $27,000 | 0.64 | |
| $7,278 | $34,923 | — | — | — | |
| $17,809 | $34,923 | — | $23,562 | 0.67 | |
| $12,799 | $31,218 | — | $25,000 | 0.80 | |
| National Median | — | $33,642 | — | $25,000 | 0.74 |
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.