English Language and Literature at Ohio State University-Marion Campus
Bachelor's Degree
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
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)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio State University-Marion Campus | $29,605 | $40,281 | $23,500 | 0.79 |
| Wright State University-Main Campus | $33,011 | $34,569 | $24,140 | 0.73 |
| Wright State University-Lake Campus | $33,011 | $34,569 | $24,140 | 0.73 |
| University of Cincinnati-Main Campus | $30,946 | — | $22,625 | 0.73 |
| The College of Wooster | $30,746 | $32,067 | $26,717 | 0.87 |
| University of Dayton | $30,063 | $46,560 | $24,398 | 0.81 |
| National Median | $29,967 | — | $24,529 | 0.82 |
Other English Language and Literature Programs in Ohio
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Ohio schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (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.