Analysis
Ohio State's mathematics degree produces graduates earning about $53,000 initially, climbing to nearly $59,000 after four yearsβsolid 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
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 | $52,921 | $58,860 | +11% |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $109,288 | $180,882 | +66% |
| Cornell University | $87,251 | $127,962 | +47% |
| Bowling Green State University-Main Campus | $46,678 | $60,748 | +30% |
| Cleveland State University | $41,164 | $49,718 | +21% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (56 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $12,859 | $52,921 | $58,860 | $20,500 | 0.39 | |
| $7,272 | $54,367 | β | $19,250 | 0.35 | |
| $12,846 | $54,367 | β | $19,250 | 0.35 | |
| $17,809 | $49,541 | β | $18,850 | 0.38 | |
| $13,570 | $48,914 | β | $20,970 | 0.43 | |
| $14,081 | $46,678 | $60,748 | $24,000 | 0.51 | |
| National Median | β | $48,772 | β | $21,500 | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with mathematics graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Mathematicians
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other
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.