Landscape Architecture at Ohio State University-Main Campus

Ohio State's landscape architecture program sits in an interesting position—it's the only bachelor's-level option in the state, which gives it a local monopoly but also means you have no in-state alternatives to benchmark against. The $50,394 starting salary falls below the national median for landscape architecture programs ($52,841), landing this program at just the 39th percentile nationally. However, the debt load of $23,250 is manageable, translating to a 0.46 debt-to-earnings ratio that most financial advisors would consider reasonable. Earnings grow modestly to $53,154 by year four, essentially catching up to the national average, though the 6% growth rate over three years suggests this isn't a field where experience commands dramatically higher compensation early on.

The caveat here matters: with fewer than 30 graduates in the dataset, these numbers could shift significantly with a larger sample. That said, the combination of moderate debt and decent starting pay means graduates aren't facing financial hardship, even if they're not commanding top-of-market salaries right out of school. For students certain about landscape architecture, Ohio State provides a viable path without excessive debt, though the program's below-average national ranking suggests there might be stronger options at out-of-state schools if your child is willing to pay the premium.