Music at Ohio State University-Main Campus

Ohio State's music program produces graduates earning $31,456 four years out—solidly average nationally but notably below the $33,015 median for Ohio music programs. That's a surprising underperformance for a flagship university, particularly when smaller regional campuses like University of Akron and the Ohio University satellites are producing graduates earning roughly $5,000 more annually. At the 25th percentile statewide, this program trails three-quarters of Ohio's music programs in early-career earnings.

The debt picture offers some relief: $27,000 is manageable and sits at the 25th percentile nationally (meaning most programs saddle students with more debt). The 1.04 debt-to-earnings ratio in year one isn't terrible for a music degree, and earnings do grow 21% by year four. Still, that $31,456 salary remains stubbornly below what Ohio music graduates typically earn, raising questions about whether Ohio State's brand translates into better outcomes for arts majors.

The small sample size here matters—fewer than 30 graduates means these numbers could swing considerably year to year. But if you're paying out-of-state tuition at a flagship, it's worth asking why this program underdelivers compared to less selective Ohio schools. For in-state families, the reasonable debt load provides a safety net, but don't expect Ohio State's name to open doors that smaller programs can't.