Ohio Dominican University
Ohio Dominican University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Ohio Dominican University at a Glance
Ohio Dominican University is a private Dominican university in Columbus, Ohio, United States. In 2024, the university had 1,252 students and offered undergraduate degrees in 42 majors as well as 9 graduate degree programs.
1911
115 years old
$19M
$18.9 million (2020)
1,252
234
75 acres
Identity
Is Ohio Dominican University Worth It?
At a value score of 29/100, Ohio Dominican University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $51,748 — 4% below average — while paying $20,079/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.6 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 44% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 4 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With a 94% acceptance rate, admission is essentially open — the question isn't whether you'll get in, but whether the investment will pay off.
With median debt of $26,000 representing 50% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Ohio Dominican University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Ohio Dominican University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in OH
Ranked #51 of 110 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | College of Biblical Studies-Houston | 100 | $672 | $39,260 |
| #2 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | 83 | $11,704 | $58,170 |
| #3 | Christian Brothers University | 81 | $9,854 | $57,478 |
| #4 | Albizu University-San Juan | 73 | $9,732 | $41,544 |
| #5 | Goldey-Beacom College | 56 | $15,554 | $59,892 |
| #6 | Waynesburg University | 50 | $18,235 | $58,537 |
| #51 | Ohio Dominican University | 29 | $20,079 | $51,748 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Ohio Dominican University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 3 in OH.
Best Programs at Ohio Dominican University
The highest-earning program at Ohio Dominican University is Accounting and Related Services at $45,600/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Health and Physical Education/Fitness at $25,400/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Accounting and Related Services graduate from Ohio Dominican University earns $45,600, while a Health and Physical Education/Fitness graduate earns $25,400. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Accounting and Related Services graduates carry $29,430 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Health and Physical Education/Fitness.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $20,079/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting and Related Services | $45,600 | $45,600 | $29,430 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $42,800 | $42,800 | $33,375 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $35,300 | $35,300 | $27,000 |
| Special Education and Teaching | $35,200 | $35,200 | N/A |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $25,400 | $25,400 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in OH
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Columbus, OH
- Student Body
- 760 students
- Admission Rate
- 94%
- Graduation Rate
- 44%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $20,079
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $51,748
- Median Student Debt
- $26,000