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Miami University-Oxford vs University of Northwestern Ohio: which has better ROI?

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

The verdict

University of Northwestern Ohio has the better ROI: it clears its 2-year net cost of $43,614 in 16.7 years versus 16.9 years at Miami University-Oxford, on median earnings of $50,968 vs $55,076 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureMiami University-OxfordUniversity of Northwestern Ohio
Net price / yr$28,384$21,807
Total net cost$113,536$43,614
Median earnings, 10 yrs$55,076$50,968
Median debt$23,000$17,084
Payback16.9 yrs16.7 yrs
20-year net return$20,784$8,546

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

Which is cheaper, Miami University-Oxford or University of Northwestern Ohio?

University of Northwestern Ohio, at $21,807 a year after aid versus $28,384 — a gap of $6,577 a year, or $69,922 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 University of Northwestern Ohio graduates earn more?

Miami University-Oxford graduates report a median $55,076 ten years after entry, $4,108 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, Miami University-Oxford or University of Northwestern Ohio?

University of Northwestern Ohio: its completers carry a median $17,084 in federal loans versus $23,000 at Miami University-Oxford, a difference of $5,916. 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 54% at University of Northwestern Ohio. 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 University of Northwestern Ohio: frequently asked questions

Is Miami University-Oxford or University of Northwestern Ohio a better value?
University of Northwestern Ohio. It clears its $43,614 net cost in about 16.7 years versus 16.9 years at Miami University-Oxford, on median earnings of $50,968 vs $55,076 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Miami University-Oxford or University of Northwestern Ohio?
University of Northwestern Ohio: $21,807/yr net price after aid versus $28,384/yr at Miami University-Oxford — a difference of $6,577 a year, or about $69,922 over four years.
Do Miami University-Oxford or University of Northwestern Ohio graduates earn more?
Miami University-Oxford graduates earn a median $55,076 ten years after entry, versus $50,968 at University of Northwestern Ohio — a $4,108 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.