Real Estate at Ohio State University-Main Campus

Ohio State's real estate program launches graduates into $72,769 starting salaries—significantly above the national median of $54,665 and well into the top 10% nationwide. The $19,000 debt load is reasonable, translating to a manageable 0.26 debt-to-earnings ratio. However, the state percentile ranking of 60th is less impressive because Ohio only has three real estate programs total, making direct state comparisons less meaningful. What matters more here is how this stacks up nationally, where it clearly excels.

The concerning signal is complete earnings stagnation: graduates earn essentially the same amount four years out as they did fresh out of school. This flatline suggests either a career plateau problem or that this small dataset (under 30 graduates) is capturing a narrow career path that maxes out quickly. Real estate careers can be commission-heavy and volatile, which might not show up cleanly in these snapshots.

The small sample size is critical context—with fewer than 30 graduates tracked, one exceptional performer or a few career-changers could skew these numbers substantially. That said, the strong starting salary combined with modest debt creates a solid financial foundation, even if long-term growth remains uncertain. For a student confident about real estate as a career path, this program offers a low-risk entry point, though they should understand the earnings trajectory may depend heavily on individual hustle rather than credential-driven advancement.