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Miami University-Oxford vs Oberlin College: which has better ROI?

Public, Oxford OH · vs · Private nonprofit, Oberlin OH

The verdict

Oberlin College has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $154,580 in 15.5 years versus 16.9 years at Miami University-Oxford, on median earnings of $58,343 vs $55,076 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureMiami University-OxfordOberlin College
Net price / yr$28,384$38,645
Total net cost$113,536$154,580
Median earnings, 10 yrs$55,076$58,343
Median debt$23,000$26,000
Payback16.9 yrs15.5 yrs
20-year net return$20,784$45,080

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

Which is cheaper, Miami University-Oxford or Oberlin College?

Miami University-Oxford, at $28,384 a year after aid versus $38,645 — a gap of $10,261 a year, or $41,044 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 Oberlin College graduates earn more?

Oberlin College graduates report a median $58,343 ten years after entry, $3,267 more than the $55,076 at Miami University-Oxford. 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 Oberlin College?

Miami University-Oxford: its completers carry a median $23,000 in federal loans versus $26,000 at Oberlin College, a difference of $3,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

81% of students finish at Oberlin College, against 80% at Miami University-Oxford. 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 Oberlin College: frequently asked questions

Is Miami University-Oxford or Oberlin College a better value?
Oberlin College. It clears its $154,580 net cost in about 15.5 years versus 16.9 years at Miami University-Oxford, on median earnings of $58,343 vs $55,076 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Miami University-Oxford or Oberlin College?
Miami University-Oxford: $28,384/yr net price after aid versus $38,645/yr at Oberlin College — a difference of $10,261 a year, or about $41,044 over four years.
Do Miami University-Oxford or Oberlin College graduates earn more?
Oberlin College graduates earn a median $58,343 ten years after entry, versus $55,076 at Miami University-Oxford — a $3,267 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.