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Miami University-Oxford vs Otterbein University: which has better ROI?

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

The verdict

Otterbein University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $76,948 in 15.5 years versus 16.9 years at Miami University-Oxford, on median earnings of $53,313 vs $55,076 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureMiami University-OxfordOtterbein University
Net price / yr$28,384$19,237
Total net cost$113,536$76,948
Median earnings, 10 yrs$55,076$53,313
Median debt$23,000$26,000
Payback16.9 yrs15.5 yrs
20-year net return$20,784$22,112

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

Which is cheaper, Miami University-Oxford or Otterbein University?

Otterbein University, at $19,237 a year after aid versus $28,384 — a gap of $9,147 a year, or $36,588 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 Otterbein University graduates earn more?

Miami University-Oxford graduates report a median $55,076 ten years after entry, $1,763 more than the $53,313 at Otterbein 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 Otterbein University?

Miami University-Oxford: its completers carry a median $23,000 in federal loans versus $26,000 at Otterbein University, 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?

80% of students finish at Miami University-Oxford, against 68% at Otterbein 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 Otterbein University: frequently asked questions

Is Miami University-Oxford or Otterbein University a better value?
Otterbein University. It clears its $76,948 net cost in about 15.5 years versus 16.9 years at Miami University-Oxford, on median earnings of $53,313 vs $55,076 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Miami University-Oxford or Otterbein University?
Otterbein University: $19,237/yr net price after aid versus $28,384/yr at Miami University-Oxford — a difference of $9,147 a year, or about $36,588 over four years.
Do Miami University-Oxford or Otterbein University graduates earn more?
Miami University-Oxford graduates earn a median $55,076 ten years after entry, versus $53,313 at Otterbein University — a $1,763 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.