Mathematics at Ohio State University-Main Campus
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Ohio State's mathematics degree produces graduates earning about $53,000 initially, climbing to nearly $59,000 after four years—solid numbers that outpace both the national and Ohio medians by roughly 10%. Among Ohio's 56 math programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile, meaning it beats most in-state alternatives while maintaining manageable debt of $20,500. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39 is quite reasonable for a STEM field, translating to less than five months of gross income.
The 11% earnings growth over four years suggests graduates are gaining traction in their careers, whether they're entering data science, actuarial work, or graduate programs in quantitative fields. The moderate sample size indicates this isn't a tiny program, so these outcomes reflect a meaningful pattern rather than a few outliers. At a flagship university with strong name recognition, Ohio State's math graduates have access to robust alumni networks and recruiting pipelines that help explain their above-average positioning.
For in-state students, this represents straightforward value: competitive earnings, reasonable debt, and steady upward trajectory. Out-of-state families would need to weigh whether the higher tuition justifies outcomes that are good but not exceptional compared to what their own state flagships might offer for mathematics.
Where Ohio State University-Main Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Ohio State University-Main Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally
Ohio State University-Main Campus graduates earn $53k, placing them in the 67th percentile of all mathematics bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (56 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio State University-Main Campus | $52,921 | $58,860 | $20,500 | 0.39 |
| Kent State University at Stark | $54,367 | — | $19,250 | 0.35 |
| Kent State University at Kent | $54,367 | — | $19,250 | 0.35 |
| Miami University-Oxford | $49,541 | — | $18,850 | 0.38 |
| University of Cincinnati-Main Campus | $48,914 | — | $20,970 | 0.43 |
| Bowling Green State University-Main Campus | $46,678 | $60,748 | $24,000 | 0.51 |
| National Median | $48,772 | — | $21,500 | 0.44 |
Other Mathematics Programs in Ohio
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Ohio schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kent State University at Stark North Canton | $7,272 | $54,367 | $19,250 |
| Kent State University at Kent Kent | $12,846 | $54,367 | $19,250 |
| Miami University-Oxford Oxford | $17,809 | $49,541 | $18,850 |
| University of Cincinnati-Main Campus Cincinnati | $13,570 | $48,914 | $20,970 |
| Bowling Green State University-Main Campus Bowling Green | $14,081 | $46,678 | $24,000 |
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.
Sample Size: Based on 76 graduates with reported earnings and 93 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.