Median Earnings (1yr)
$48,597
54th percentile (60th in OH)
Median Debt
$19,900
23% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.41
Manageable
Sample Size
64
Adequate data

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 $54,000—just 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 point—and 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

Ohio State University-Marion CampusOther business/commerce programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Ohio State University-Marion Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally

Ohio State University-Marion Campus graduates earn $49k, placing them in the 54th percentile of all business/commerce bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

Business/Commerce bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (22 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Ohio State University-Marion Campus$48,597$54,191$19,9000.41
DeVry University-Ohio$57,020$56,664$47,2360.83
Franklin University$51,408$30,8850.60
Ashland University$50,262$43,439$30,6250.61
University of Akron Main Campus$49,049$43,756$31,0000.63
Ohio State University-Lima Campus$48,597$54,191$19,9000.41
National Median$47,506$26,0000.55

Other Business/Commerce Programs in Ohio

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Ohio schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
DeVry University-Ohio
Columbus
$17,488$57,020$47,236
Franklin University
Columbus
$9,577$51,408$30,885
Ashland University
Ashland
$28,910$50,262$30,625
University of Akron Main Campus
Akron
$12,799$49,049$31,000
Ohio State University-Lima Campus
Lima
$9,212$48,597$19,900

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.