Median Earnings (1yr)
$29,605
48th percentile (60th in OH)
Median Debt
$23,500
4% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.79
Manageable
Sample Size
210
Adequate data

Analysis

Ohio State Marion's English program outpaces most Ohio competitors despite modest starting salaries. While graduates earn $29,605 initially—just below the national median—this places them in the 60th percentile among Ohio's 71 English programs. More importantly, earnings jump 36% to $40,281 by year four, suggesting graduates successfully transition into higher-paying roles after building early career experience.

The $23,500 debt load is reasonable, coming in slightly below both state and national medians. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.79, graduates owe less than one year's starting salary—a manageable burden that allows for steady loan repayment. The combination of below-average debt and above-median Ohio earnings creates a solid foundation for graduates entering teaching, communications, or other writing-intensive fields.

The real story here is trajectory. While this program won't launch your child into immediate high earnings, the four-year growth rate significantly outperforms typical English degree outcomes. For students comfortable with a few lean starting years in exchange for steadily improving prospects, Ohio State Marion delivers practical value at a price point that won't derail their twenties.

Where Ohio State University-Marion Campus Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all english language and literature bachelors's programs nationally

Ohio State University-Marion CampusOther english language and literature 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 $30k, placing them in the 48th percentile of all english language and literature 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

English Language and Literature bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (71 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Ohio State University-Marion Campus$29,605$40,281$23,5000.79
Wright State University-Main Campus$33,011$34,569$24,1400.73
Wright State University-Lake Campus$33,011$34,569$24,1400.73
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus$30,946—$22,6250.73
The College of Wooster$30,746$32,067$26,7170.87
University of Dayton$30,063$46,560$24,3980.81
National Median$29,967—$24,5290.82

Other English Language and Literature Programs in Ohio

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Ohio schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Wright State University-Main Campus
Dayton
$11,188$33,011$24,140
Wright State University-Lake Campus
Celina
$7,504$33,011$24,140
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
Cincinnati
$13,570$30,946$22,625
The College of Wooster
Wooster
$59,550$30,746$26,717
University of Dayton
Dayton
$47,600$30,063$24,398

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 210 graduates with reported earnings and 227 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.