History at Ohio State University-Mansfield Campus

Ohio State-Mansfield's History program starts graduates at just $26,663—below both national and state medians—but the trajectory tells a more interesting story. Four years out, earnings jump 56% to $41,697, eventually surpassing what graduates from higher-ranked Ohio programs like Miami and Akron earn initially. The moderate $21,500 debt load, lower than both state and national averages, means graduates can manage payments even during that challenging first year.

The catch is that first year matters. At the 20th percentile nationally and 40th in Ohio, these initial earnings lag significantly behind top Ohio programs where graduates start around $31,000-$32,000. For a student who needs immediate earning power—perhaps to support family or pay off additional private loans—this gap could create real financial stress. The program serves a notably economically diverse population (31% Pell recipients), so that consideration isn't trivial.

The value here hinges on patience and career development. If your child can weather the lean early years, possibly with parental support or minimal additional expenses, the strong earnings growth suggests they'll reach solid financial footing. But if they need a History degree that pays dividends immediately, the flagship campus in Columbus or schools like Akron offer meaningfully better starting positions.