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Oberlin College vs University of Northwestern Ohio: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Oberlin OH · vs · Private nonprofit, Lima OH

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

The verdict

Oberlin College has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $154,580 in 15.5 years versus 16.7 years at University of Northwestern Ohio, on median earnings of $58,343 vs $50,968 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureOberlin CollegeUniversity of Northwestern Ohio
Net price / yr$38,645$21,807
Total net cost$154,580$43,614
Median earnings, 10 yrs$58,343$50,968
Median debt$26,000$17,084
Payback15.5 yrs16.7 yrs
20-year net return$45,080$8,546

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

Which is cheaper, Oberlin College or University of Northwestern Ohio?

University of Northwestern Ohio, at $21,807 a year after aid versus $38,645 — a gap of $16,838 a year, or $110,966 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Oberlin College or University of Northwestern Ohio graduates earn more?

Oberlin College graduates report a median $58,343 ten years after entry, $7,375 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, Oberlin College or University of Northwestern Ohio?

University of Northwestern Ohio: its completers carry a median $17,084 in federal loans versus $26,000 at Oberlin College, a difference of $8,916. 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 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.

Oberlin College vs University of Northwestern Ohio: frequently asked questions

Is Oberlin College or University of Northwestern Ohio a better value?
Oberlin College. It clears its $154,580 net cost in about 15.5 years versus 16.7 years at University of Northwestern Ohio, on median earnings of $58,343 vs $50,968 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Oberlin College or University of Northwestern Ohio?
University of Northwestern Ohio: $21,807/yr net price after aid versus $38,645/yr at Oberlin College — a difference of $16,838 a year, or about $110,966 over four years.
Do Oberlin College or University of Northwestern Ohio graduates earn more?
Oberlin College graduates earn a median $58,343 ten years after entry, versus $50,968 at University of Northwestern Ohio — a $7,375 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.