Sociology at Ohio State University-Mansfield Campus

Ohio State-Mansfield's sociology program delivers something increasingly rare: graduates earning well above the national average while carrying manageable debt. At $38,034 in first-year earnings, graduates match the main campus outcome and outperform 79% of sociology programs nationwide. The debt load of $21,739 is notably lighter than both the national and Ohio medians of $25,000, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57—meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in seven months of gross earnings.

The earnings trajectory tells an encouraging story, with 19% income growth to $45,403 by year four. Within Ohio, this program sits comfortably in the middle of the pack at the 60th percentile, though it trails flagship options like Miami University and UC's $42,000-plus outcomes. For a regional campus, these results are solid—students get Ohio State credentials without the main campus cost burden. The 31% Pell grant enrollment suggests the program serves students who need affordable pathways to decent earnings.

For families weighing this option, the math works: below-average debt leading to above-average earnings with steady growth. It won't match what top Ohio programs deliver, but it clears the bar for a sociology degree to pay for itself within a reasonable timeframe.