Ohio State University-Lima Campus
Lima, OH 45804 — Public
Value Score: 75/100 | ROI Score: 59 | Affordability Score: 90/100
Tuition (In-State): $9,488 | Out-of-State: $36,266
Graduation Rate: 20.6% | Retention Rate: 42.3%
Median Earnings (10yr): $60,409 | Median Debt: $19,976
Student Body Size: 621 (small)
Pell Grant Recipients: 29.5% | Federal Loan Rate: 33.6%
Average Faculty Salary: $11,181/month
Tuition & Affordability Analysis
In-state tuition at Ohio State University-Lima Campus is $9,488 per year, which is 13% below the national average for public institutions.
Out-of-state students pay $36,266/year — a premium of $26,778 over in-state rates. Over four years, out-of-state students pay approximately $107,112 more than their in-state peers.
Estimated four-year tuition cost: $37,952 (tuition only, not including room, board, and fees).
What You Actually Pay: Net Price by Family Income
The sticker price rarely reflects what families actually pay. After grants and scholarships, here is the average net price by family income bracket at Ohio State University-Lima Campus:
- Families earning $0–$30,000: $9,805/year
- Families earning $30,001–$48,000: $10,006/year
- Families earning $48,001–$75,000: $10,092/year
- Families earning $75,001–$110,000: $14,098/year
- Families earning $110,000+: $18,468/year
Graduate Outcomes & Return on Investment
20.6% of students at Ohio State University-Lima Campus complete their degree, 67% below the national average. This low graduation rate is a significant concern that prospective students should weigh carefully.
First-year retention rate: 42.3% (48% below the national average). A retention rate below 75% suggests some students struggle with fit, academics, or affordability.
Graduates of Ohio State University-Lima Campus earn a median salary of $60,409 ten years after enrollment, 48% above the national average. This represents a $25,409/year earnings premium over the average high school diploma holder, or $762,270 in additional lifetime earnings over a 30-year career.
The median student debt at graduation is $19,976, 7% below the national average. On a standard 10-year repayment plan at 5.5% interest, this translates to approximately $217/month, with a total repayment of $26,040 (including $6,064 in interest).
Debt-to-Earnings Ratio: 0.33x. This is an excellent ratio — graduates carry manageable debt relative to their earning power.
Breakeven Point: Based on the earnings premium over high school graduates, a degree from Ohio State University-Lima Campus pays for itself in approximately 2 years. This is an excellent return on investment.
Financial Aid Profile
29.5% of students at Ohio State University-Lima Campus receive Pell Grants (federal need-based aid for families earning under ~$60,000), 11% below the national average. A lower Pell rate suggests the student body skews toward higher-income families. Merit aid may be more prevalent than need-based aid.
33.6% of students take federal loans, 29% below the national average. A low loan rate suggests strong institutional aid or a wealthier student body that doesn't need to borrow.
Average faculty salary: $11,181/month, 28% above the national average. Higher faculty salaries generally indicate greater investment in teaching quality and ability to attract experienced professors.
Student Body & Campus Diversity
Ohio State University-Lima Campus enrolls 621 undergraduate students. As a small institution, students can expect smaller class sizes, closer faculty relationships, and a tight-knit campus community.
Diversity Index: 38/100 (higher = more diverse). The student body is less diverse than average.
Student body composition: White 78%, Hispanic 7%, Black 6%, Asian 3%.
Ohio State University-Lima Campus: Small Public Institution with Strong ROI and Affordability
- Ohio State Lima: Big Brand Name, Small Town Price Tag
- Launch Your Career with an Ohio State Degree from Lima: Strong Outcomes, Affordable Investment
- Experience the Best of Both Worlds: Ohio State Education in a Community Setting
Report Card: Overall Grade C+
Ohio State University-Lima Campus receives an overall grade of C+ based on six dimensions:
- Academics: D
- Value: B-
- Outcomes: B
- Affordability: B
College Analysis
Ohio State University-Lima Campus is a Public institution in Lima, OH with approximately 621 students. Academics: Offers a range of undergraduate programs, including engineering, business, and liberal arts. Value: High affordability with a strong return on investment, despite lower graduation rates. Outcomes: Graduates earn a median salary of $60,409 after 10 years, indicating good career prospects.
The Verdict: Is Ohio State University-Lima Campus Worth It?
Ohio State University-Lima Campus presents a compelling value proposition, particularly for in-state students. With an in-state tuition of $9,488, it is significantly more affordable than many other institutions. The median earnings of $60,409 after 10 years, coupled with a median debt of $19,976, suggest a healthy return on investment. The debt-to-earnings ratio is favorable, indicating that graduates can likely manage their loan obligations effectively. The ROI score of 59, while not exceptionally high, reflects a solid financial outcome. For an in-state student, the initial investment is manageable, and the earnings potential, boosted by the Ohio State University brand, allows for a reasonable payoff timeline, likely within 3-5 years post-graduation, depending on the specific major and starting salary. Out-of-state tuition, however, dramatically alters this calculation, making it a less attractive financial choice unless significant scholarships are awarded. For Ohio residents, this campus is a good deal, offering a quality education from a respected university system at a fraction of the cost of the main campus or private alternatives, with a clear path to financial stability. It's a hidden gem for those prioritizing affordability and regional career opportunities within the strong Ohio State network.
Return on Investment
Despite the lower graduation rate, the strong return on investment and high affordability make Ohio State University-Lima Campus a worthwhile choice for students.
Debt Reality Check
Median student debt at Ohio State University-Lima Campus: $19,976. Monthly payment on a standard 10-year plan: $227/month. Total repaid: $27,240 ($7,264 in interest).
Breakeven vs high school diploma: 0.7 years. Debt burden: Low. Salary needed for comfortable repayment: $27,240.
Strengths
- Strong return on investment and high affordability
- Variety of undergraduate programs
Weaknesses
- Lower graduation rates
- Limited campus size and resources
Academic Profile
Retention Rate: 42.3%.
Ohio State Lima offers a unique pathway to an Ohio State degree, providing access to a robust curriculum and faculty expertise in a more personalized environment. The campus excels in offering foundational courses for a wide range of Ohio State majors, allowing students to complete their first two years before transitioning to the Columbus campus or another Ohio State regional campus to finish their bachelor's degree. Notable departments that often see strong engagement at Lima include Business, Education, and various STEM fields, providing students with a solid academic grounding. Research opportunities, while perhaps less extensive than at the main campus, are available, particularly for students working closely with faculty mentors on specific projects. The quality of faculty is a significant strength; instructors at Lima are often Ohio State University faculty, bringing the same academic rigor and expertise. While specific faculty salary data for Lima is not provided, the overall Ohio State University system emphasizes competitive compensation to attract top talent. The student-faculty ratio is likely to be significantly lower than at the Columbus campus, fostering more direct interaction and mentorship. Academic support resources are robust, including tutoring services, writing centers, and academic advising, all geared towards helping students succeed in their chosen fields and prepare for upper-division coursework. Students can also leverage the broader resources of Ohio State, including online libraries and academic support networks.
Financial Aid Guide for Ohio State University-Lima Campus
Pell Grant recipients: 29.5%. Students taking federal loans: 33.6%.
Navigating financial aid at Ohio State Lima is a practical process focused on making your Ohio State education accessible. As a regional campus of a major public university, a significant portion of students rely on financial aid to cover costs. Merit-based aid is available, often tied to high school academic achievement, though specific scholarships for the Lima campus might be less numerous than for the main Columbus campus. The bulk of aid will likely come from need-based grants and federal student loans. For students with demonstrated financial need, federal Pell Grants can provide substantial assistance, and Ohio State Lima participates fully in federal and state aid programs. Work-study opportunities are also available, offering students the chance to earn money through part-time campus jobs. Typical aid packages can vary widely based on income. For lower-income families (e.g., under $30,000 annual income), aid packages might cover a significant portion, if not all, of tuition and fees through a combination of grants and scholarships. For middle-income families, aid might consist more of federal loans and some grants. Scholarship applications are crucial; students should explore both general Ohio State scholarships and any specific to the Lima campus or their intended major. Negotiating aid is generally not a standard practice at large public universities like Ohio State, especially at the regional campus level, as aid packages are typically formula-driven based on established criteria. Focus on completing the FAFSA accurately and on time to maximize your eligibility for all aid types.
Hidden Costs at Ohio State University-Lima Campus
- Commuter Meal Plan: While not mandatory, students who wish to eat on campus regularly might opt for a commuter meal plan, potentially costing around $500-$1,000 per semester.
- Transportation: For commuting students, fuel, vehicle maintenance, and insurance can add $100-$300 per month.
- Parking Permit: Annual parking permits for students can range from $50-$100.
- Textbooks and Supplies: Depending on the courses, textbooks and required supplies can easily cost $800-$1,200 per academic year.
- Technology Fees: While often bundled, specific technology or lab fees for certain courses can add $50-$200 per semester.
- Personal Expenses: Budgeting for personal items, entertainment, and social activities outside of tuition is essential, potentially $100-$250 per month.
- Health Insurance: If not covered by a parent's plan, students may need to purchase health insurance, which can cost $2,000-$4,000 annually.
Alumni Outcomes & Career Paths
Graduates from Ohio State University-Lima Campus enter a diverse job market, leveraging the strong reputation of the Ohio State University system. While specific recruitment data for the Lima campus is limited, alumni often find opportunities within regional industries. Major employers in the Lima area and surrounding Northwest Ohio include manufacturing giants like Ford Motor Company, Honda of America Mfg., and Whirlpool Corporation, which frequently hire graduates with engineering, business, and technical backgrounds. Healthcare is another significant sector, with institutions such as Mercy Health St. Rita's Medical Center and Lima Memorial Health System seeking graduates in nursing, health sciences, and administrative roles. The broader region also sees demand in agriculture and logistics. Alumni tend to cluster in fields related to their undergraduate majors, with common industries including advanced manufacturing, automotive, healthcare services, education, and public administration. While specific graduate school placement rates for the Lima campus are not readily available, many students pursue further education at the main Ohio State campus in Columbus or other reputable institutions, particularly in fields like engineering, business, and law. Notable alumni from the broader Ohio State system, which the Lima campus is a part of, span various fields, contributing to the overall brand recognition. The career services at Ohio State University-Lima Campus, while smaller in scale than the main campus, provide essential support, including resume building, interview preparation, and connections to local and regional job fairs. Internship pipelines are often facilitated through faculty connections and university-wide career fairs, allowing students to gain practical experience with companies like Battelle, Nationwide Insurance, and various local businesses. Geographic hiring patterns show a strong tendency for graduates to remain in Ohio, particularly in the northwestern and central regions, though opportunities exist nationwide due to the Ohio State brand.
Campus Life & Culture at Ohio State University-Lima Campus
The student body at Ohio State Lima is primarily composed of students from the surrounding Lima and Western Ohio region, creating a strong local community feel. It attracts students seeking a more personalized, accessible entry into the Ohio State system, often those who prefer to live at home while pursuing their degree or complete their initial coursework before transferring. Students who thrive here are typically self-motivated, community-oriented, and appreciate a focused academic environment with direct faculty interaction.
Ohio State Lima isn't your typical sprawling university campus; it's a more intimate, community-focused experience designed to offer the resources of a major university within a smaller, more accessible setting. With just over 600 students, the campus culture is tight-knit, fostering strong relationships between students and faculty. Social life here is less about large-scale events and more about engaging with the campus community and the Lima area. Student organizations are a key avenue for connection, offering opportunities to explore interests from academic clubs to service groups. While there isn't on-campus housing, many students commute from Lima and surrounding communities, creating a vibrant commuter student population. This means social events and activities are often scheduled to accommodate those who aren't living on campus, with many happening during the day or early evening. The campus itself is modern and well-equipped, featuring a library, student services center, and various academic buildings designed for focused learning. Dining options are typically limited to a campus café or nearby local eateries, encouraging students to explore Lima's diverse culinary scene. Athletics are not a primary focus at the Lima campus, but students can often find intramural sports or connect with the larger Ohio State athletic scene through fandom. The 'vibe' is one of focused academic pursuit combined with a strong sense of local community, offering a personalized Ohio State education without the overwhelming scale of the Columbus campus.
Campus Highlights
- Direct pathway to an Ohio State degree
- Smaller class sizes and personalized attention
- Access to Ohio State University resources and faculty
- Affordable tuition compared to the main campus
- Community-focused campus environment
- Modern facilities and technology
- Strong academic support services
Location & Regional Advantages
Ohio State University-Lima Campus is strategically situated in Lima, Ohio, offering a unique blend of a smaller community feel with access to a broader industrial landscape. The local job market in Lima is anchored by a strong manufacturing presence, including major employers like Ford, Honda, and Whirlpool, creating consistent demand for skilled professionals in engineering, operations, and skilled trades. Beyond manufacturing, the healthcare sector, led by Mercy Health and Lima Memorial Health System, provides substantial employment opportunities. The cost of living in Lima is significantly lower than in major metropolitan areas, making graduates' starting salaries stretch further and allowing for quicker debt repayment. This affordability extends to housing, utilities, and daily expenses, enhancing the overall financial well-being of alumni. While Lima itself is not a major industry hub, its location provides advantageous proximity to larger economic centers. Toledo, a significant manufacturing and logistics hub, is about an hour's drive north, and Columbus, the state capital and a diverse economic center, is roughly two hours south. This accessibility allows students to pursue internships and job opportunities in these larger cities while benefiting from the lower cost of living and more intimate campus environment in Lima. The quality of life in Lima is characterized by a friendly, community-oriented atmosphere with access to parks, cultural events, and recreational activities. Safety is generally good, typical of mid-sized Midwestern cities. The geographic advantage lies in its ability to offer a more personalized educational experience and a lower cost of living, while still providing a gateway to the robust job markets of Ohio's larger cities, particularly in manufacturing, healthcare, and technology.
How to Get Into Ohio State University-Lima Campus
Gaining admission to Ohio State Lima is generally a straightforward process, as it serves as an accessible entry point into the Ohio State University system. The campus is not selective in the traditional sense, meaning there isn't a competitive admission rate or specific GPA/test score cutoffs that are heavily emphasized for entry. The primary focus is on ensuring students meet the minimum academic requirements for enrollment at Ohio State. This typically involves having a solid high school record, demonstrating a commitment to academic success. While SAT/ACT scores are not provided, a strong performance in high school coursework is the most critical factor. Essays are usually not a significant component of the application for the Lima campus, as the emphasis is on academic preparedness. Demonstrated interest is also not a major factor; the university wants to see that you are serious about pursuing an Ohio State education. The application timeline is generally flexible, but it's advisable to apply early in the admissions cycle, typically by late fall or early winter for the following academic year, to ensure ample time for financial aid processing and course registration. Focus on presenting a clear academic record and expressing your intent to study within the Ohio State system.
How Ohio State University-Lima Campus Compares to Similar Schools
Similar schools: University of Toledo, Bowling Green State University, Wright State University-Lake Campus, Miami University-Hamilton
Advantages
- Leverages the strong, national brand recognition of The Ohio State University.
- Offers a significantly lower cost of living and tuition for in-state students compared to larger, flagship universities.
- Provides a more intimate, personalized learning environment due to its smaller student body.
Disadvantages
- Lower graduation rate (20.6%) compared to many peer institutions.
- Fewer on-campus resources, research opportunities, and a less vibrant student life compared to larger university campuses.
- Limited direct recruitment pipelines and fewer on-campus internship opportunities compared to larger university systems.
Best For
- Students looking for a larger campus with more diverse extracurricular activities may find this campus too small.
- Prospective students interested in a more urban or suburban location may prefer a different campus.
Avoid If
- Students who need a high level of campus diversity may want to consider other options.
- Those seeking a more extensive range of majors and programs may find this campus too limited.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ohio State University-Lima Campus
How much does it cost to attend Ohio State University-Lima Campus?
In-state tuition at Ohio State University-Lima Campus is $9,488 per year, and out-of-state tuition is $36,266 per year. The median student debt at graduation is $19,976.
What is the graduation rate at Ohio State University-Lima Campus?
Ohio State University-Lima Campus has a graduation rate of 20.6%.
How much do Ohio State University-Lima Campus graduates earn?
The median earnings for Ohio State University-Lima Campus graduates 10 years after enrollment is $60,409. With median debt of $19,976, graduates earn roughly 3.0x their debt level annually.
How big is Ohio State University-Lima Campus?
Ohio State University-Lima Campus has approximately 621 students and is classified as a small institution. It is located in Lima, OH and is a Public institution.
Is Ohio State University-Lima Campus worth the cost?
Ohio State University-Lima Campus has an ROI score of 59 out of 100. With in-state tuition of $9,488 per year and median post-graduation earnings of $60,409, the return on investment is moderate.
Where is Ohio State University-Lima Campus located?
Ohio State University-Lima Campus is located in Lima, OH. It is a Public institution with approximately 621 students.
How much student debt do Ohio State University-Lima Campus graduates have?
The median student debt for Ohio State University-Lima Campus graduates is $19,976. With median earnings of $60,409 ten years after enrollment, graduates can expect a debt-to-income ratio of 33%.
Is Ohio State University-Lima Campus a good college?
Ohio State University-Lima Campus has a graduation rate of 20.6% and median post-graduation earnings of $60,409. 78.1% of students are white, indicating a predominantly white student body.
How does Ohio State University-Lima Campus compare to similar colleges?
The campus is located in Lima, OH, a city with a population of about 35,000. Compared to peer institutions, Ohio State University-Lima Campus offers a more affordable education with a strong return on investment, though graduation rates are lower.
What career prospects do Ohio State University-Lima Campus graduates have?
Graduates of Ohio State University-Lima Campus are well-positioned for careers in engineering, business, and other technical fields.
What should prospective students know about Ohio State University-Lima Campus?
Ohio State University-Lima Campus is well-suited for students seeking a smaller, more affordable public university with a strong focus on STEM fields.
What makes Ohio State University-Lima Campus stand out?
Median student debt is $19,976, which is relatively low compared to tuition costs.
What are the pros and cons of attending Ohio State University-Lima Campus?
The campus offers a variety of majors, including engineering, business, and liberal arts.
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- University of Toledo
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View on College Scorecard (Dept. of Education)
Analysis based on U.S. Department of Education data. Not enrollment advice. Verify information with the institution directly.