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
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9,212 | $26,663 | $41,697 | $21,500 | 0.81 | |
| $12,799 | $32,577 | $35,770 | $23,100 | 0.71 | |
| $13,570 | $31,217 | — | $23,756 | 0.76 | |
| $17,809 | $31,194 | $36,425 | $26,000 | 0.83 | |
| $37,938 | $31,163 | — | $27,000 | 0.87 | |
| $14,081 | $30,226 | $36,362 | $26,000 | 0.86 | |
| National Median | — | $31,220 | — | $24,000 | 0.77 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with history graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
History Teachers, Postsecondary
Historians
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Archivists
Curators
Museum Technicians and Conservators
Managers, All Other
Regulatory Affairs Managers
Compliance Managers
Loss Prevention Managers
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.