Cleveland State University vs University of Northwestern Ohio: which has better ROI?
Cleveland State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $59,056 in 15.7 years versus 16.7 years at University of Northwestern Ohio, on median earnings of $52,131 vs $50,968 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Cleveland State University | University of Northwestern Ohio |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $14,764 | $21,807 |
| Total net cost | $59,056 | $43,614 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $52,131 | $50,968 |
| Median debt | $21,797 | $17,084 |
| Payback | 15.7 yrs | 16.7 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $16,364 | $8,546 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Cleveland State University or University of Northwestern Ohio?
Cleveland State University, at $14,764 a year after aid versus $21,807 — a gap of $7,043 a year, or $15,442 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Cleveland State University or University of Northwestern Ohio graduates earn more?
Cleveland State University graduates report a median $52,131 ten years after entry, $1,163 more than the $50,968 at University of Northwestern Ohio. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Cleveland State University or University of Northwestern Ohio?
University of Northwestern Ohio: its completers carry a median $17,084 in federal loans versus $21,797 at Cleveland State University, a difference of $4,713. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
54% of students finish at University of Northwestern Ohio, against 51% at Cleveland State University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.