Analysis
Ohio State Marion's business degree stands out for one crucial reason: graduates leave with roughly $6,000 less debt than the typical Ohio business grad, while earning right at the state median. That's a debt load half the national average, producing a debt-to-earnings ratio that makes the first few years after graduation significantly more manageable. With steady 12% earnings growth over four years, graduates reach $54,000βjust shy of what top national programs deliver immediately.
The program ranks in the 60th percentile among Ohio business schools, which means it's solidly middle-of-the-pack in a competitive state market. You're not getting the $57,000 starting salary of DeVry grads, but you're also not carrying the debt burden that often comes with more expensive programs. The regional campus model works in your favor here: lower costs without sacrificing the Ohio State credential.
For a parent weighing options, the math is straightforward. Your child gets a recognizable degree with relatively light debt that won't constrain their early career choices. The moderate sample size suggests this is an established track record, not an anomaly. If your student is considering other Ohio State campuses or regional Ohio schools, Marion delivers comparable outcomes at a lower price pointβand that difference in debt could mean the freedom to take a career risk or save for a home purchase sooner.
Where Ohio State University-Marion Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/commerce bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Ohio State University-Marion 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-Marion Campus | $48,597 | $54,191 | +12% |
| DeVry University-Ohio | $57,020 | $56,664 | -1% |
| Wright State University-Lake Campus | $46,523 | $54,770 | +18% |
| Wright State University-Main Campus | $46,523 | $54,770 | +18% |
| Ohio State University-Newark Campus | $48,597 | $54,191 | +12% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Business/Commerce bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (22 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9,212 | $48,597 | $54,191 | $19,900 | 0.41 | |
| $17,488 | $57,020 | $56,664 | $47,236 | 0.83 | |
| $9,577 | $51,408 | β | $30,885 | 0.60 | |
| $28,910 | $50,262 | $43,439 | $30,625 | 0.61 | |
| $12,799 | $49,049 | $43,756 | $31,000 | 0.63 | |
| $9,212 | $48,597 | $54,191 | $19,900 | 0.41 | |
| National Median | β | $47,506 | β | $26,000 | 0.55 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/commerce graduates
Sales Managers
Industrial Production Managers
Quality Control Systems Managers
Geothermal Production Managers
Biofuels Production Managers
Biomass Power Plant Managers
Hydroelectric Production Managers
Construction Managers
Administrative Services Managers
Facilities Managers
Security Managers
Chief Executives
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-Marion Campus, approximately 26% 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 64 graduates with reported earnings and 57 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.