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Miami University-Oxford vs Cleveland State University: which has better ROI?

Public, Oxford OH · vs · Public, Cleveland OH

The verdict

Cleveland State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $59,056 in 15.7 years versus 16.9 years at Miami University-Oxford, on median earnings of $52,131 vs $55,076 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureMiami University-OxfordCleveland State University
Net price / yr$28,384$14,764
Total net cost$113,536$59,056
Median earnings, 10 yrs$55,076$52,131
Median debt$23,000$21,797
Payback16.9 yrs15.7 yrs
20-year net return$20,784$16,364

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

Which is cheaper, Miami University-Oxford or Cleveland State University?

Cleveland State University, at $14,764 a year after aid versus $28,384 — a gap of $13,620 a year, or $54,480 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-Oxford or Cleveland State University graduates earn more?

Miami University-Oxford graduates report a median $55,076 ten years after entry, $2,945 more than the $52,131 at Cleveland State University. 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-Oxford or Cleveland State University?

Cleveland State University: its completers carry a median $21,797 in federal loans versus $23,000 at Miami University-Oxford, a difference of $1,203. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

80% of students finish at Miami University-Oxford, 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.

Miami University-Oxford vs Cleveland State University: frequently asked questions

Is Miami University-Oxford or Cleveland State University a better value?
Cleveland State University. It clears its $59,056 net cost in about 15.7 years versus 16.9 years at Miami University-Oxford, on median earnings of $52,131 vs $55,076 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Miami University-Oxford or Cleveland State University?
Cleveland State University: $14,764/yr net price after aid versus $28,384/yr at Miami University-Oxford — a difference of $13,620 a year, or about $54,480 over four years.
Do Miami University-Oxford or Cleveland State University graduates earn more?
Miami University-Oxford graduates earn a median $55,076 ten years after entry, versus $52,131 at Cleveland State University — a $2,945 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.