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Miami University-Hamilton vs Kenyon College: which has better ROI?

Public, Hamilton OH · vs · Private nonprofit, Gambier OH

The verdict

Kenyon College has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $154,048 in 6.6 years versus 6.7 years at Miami University-Hamilton, on median earnings of $71,830 vs $55,076 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureMiami University-HamiltonKenyon College
Net price / yr$11,286$38,512
Total net cost$45,144$154,048
Median earnings, 10 yrs$55,076$71,830
Median debt$23,000$18,527
Payback6.7 yrs6.6 yrs
20-year net return$89,176$315,352

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Miami University-Hamilton or Kenyon College?

Miami University-Hamilton, at $11,286 a year after aid versus $38,512 — a gap of $27,226 a year, or $108,904 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Miami University-Hamilton or Kenyon College graduates earn more?

Kenyon College graduates report a median $71,830 ten years after entry, $16,754 more than the $55,076 at Miami University-Hamilton. 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, Miami University-Hamilton or Kenyon College?

Kenyon College: its completers carry a median $18,527 in federal loans versus $23,000 at Miami University-Hamilton, a difference of $4,473. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

82% of students finish at Kenyon College, against 25% at Miami University-Hamilton. 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.

Miami University-Hamilton vs Kenyon College: frequently asked questions

Is Miami University-Hamilton or Kenyon College a better value?
Kenyon College. It clears its $154,048 net cost in about 6.6 years versus 6.7 years at Miami University-Hamilton, on median earnings of $71,830 vs $55,076 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Miami University-Hamilton or Kenyon College?
Miami University-Hamilton: $11,286/yr net price after aid versus $38,512/yr at Kenyon College — a difference of $27,226 a year, or about $108,904 over four years.
Do Miami University-Hamilton or Kenyon College graduates earn more?
Kenyon College graduates earn a median $71,830 ten years after entry, versus $55,076 at Miami University-Hamilton — a $16,754 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.