Median Earnings (1yr)
$26,663
20th percentile
40th percentile in Ohio
Median Debt
$21,500
10% below national median

Analysis

Ohio State-Newark's history program starts its graduates at a notably low $26,663—well below both the national median ($31,220) and most major Ohio universities. However, the story here is about trajectory rather than starting salary. Earnings jump 56% by year four to reach $41,697, ultimately surpassing not just the state median but also exceeding what graduates from more expensive programs like Miami University or UC typically earn. At 40th percentile within Ohio, this program sits squarely in the middle of state options, but its debt load of $21,500 is actually lower than Ohio's typical $26,000, giving graduates more breathing room during those challenging early years.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.81 reflects that difficult first year, but for families willing to plan for a longer timeline—perhaps with parental support during the initial period—the math improves considerably. By year four, that debt burden shrinks to just half of annual earnings. The robust sample size confirms this isn't a statistical fluke; this pattern appears consistent across graduates.

For an Ohio family considering regional campuses, Newark offers a practical trade: accept lower starting pay in exchange for reduced debt and strong medium-term growth. Just make sure your child has a financial cushion for those first couple years or a clear plan for supplementing that initial salary.

Where Ohio State University-Newark Campus Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all history bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

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

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Ohio State University-Newark Campus$26,663$41,697+56%
Ohio State University-Mansfield Campus$26,663$41,697+56%
Ohio State University-Marion Campus$26,663$41,697+56%
Ohio State University-Lima Campus$26,663$41,697+56%
Ohio State University-Main Campus$26,663$41,697+56%

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

History bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (63 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Ohio State University-Newark CampusNewark$9,212$26,663$41,697$21,5000.81
University of Akron Main CampusAkron$12,799$32,577$35,770$23,1000.71
University of Cincinnati-Main CampusCincinnati$13,570$31,217$23,7560.76
Miami University-OxfordOxford$17,809$31,194$36,425$26,0000.83
Baldwin Wallace UniversityBerea$37,938$31,163$27,0000.87
Bowling Green State University-Main CampusBowling Green$14,081$30,226$36,362$26,0000.86
National Median$31,220$24,0000.77

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with history graduates

Natural Sciences Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Research Coordinators

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

History Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in human history and historiography. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Historians

Research, analyze, record, and interpret the past as recorded in sources, such as government and institutional records, newspapers and other periodicals, photographs, interviews, films, electronic media, and unpublished manuscripts, such as personal diaries and letters.

$74,050/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.

$64,580/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Archivists

Appraise, edit, and direct safekeeping of permanent records and historically valuable documents. Participate in research activities based on archival materials.

$57,100/yrJobs growth:

Curators

Administer collections, such as artwork, collectibles, historic items, or scientific specimens of museums or other institutions. May conduct instructional, research, or public service activities of institution.

$57,100/yrJobs growth:

Museum Technicians and Conservators

Restore, maintain, or prepare objects in museum collections for storage, research, or exhibit. May work with specimens such as fossils, skeletal parts, or botanicals; or artifacts, textiles, or art. May identify and record objects or install and arrange them in exhibits. Includes book or document conservators.

$57,100/yrJobs growth:

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Regulatory Affairs Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.

Compliance Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.

Loss Prevention Managers

Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures.

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-Newark Campus, approximately 34% 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 104 graduates with reported earnings and 143 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.