Median Earnings (1yr)
$26,663
20th percentile (40th in OH)
Median Debt
$21,500
10% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.81
Manageable
Sample Size
104
Adequate data

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

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

Ohio State University-Newark Campus graduates earn $27k, placing them in the 20th percentile of all history 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

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

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Ohio State University-Newark Campus$26,663$41,697$21,5000.81
University of Akron Main Campus$32,577$35,770$23,1000.71
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus$31,217—$23,7560.76
Miami University-Oxford$31,194$36,425$26,0000.83
Baldwin Wallace University$31,163—$27,0000.87
Bowling Green State University-Main Campus$30,226$36,362$26,0000.86
National Median$31,220—$24,0000.77

Other History Programs in Ohio

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Ohio schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
University of Akron Main Campus
Akron
$12,799$32,577$23,100
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
Cincinnati
$13,570$31,217$23,756
Miami University-Oxford
Oxford
$17,809$31,194$26,000
Baldwin Wallace University
Berea
$37,938$31,163$27,000
Bowling Green State University-Main Campus
Bowling Green
$14,081$30,226$26,000

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.