Ohio State University-Main Campus vs Columbus State Community College: which has better ROI?
The verdict
Ohio State University-Main Campus has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $69,356 in 5.8 years versus not at all at Columbus State Community College, on median earnings of $60,409 vs $39,435 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Ohio State University-Main Campus | Columbus State Community College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $17,339 | $8,400 |
| Total net cost | $69,356 | $33,600 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $60,409 | $39,435 |
| Median debt | $19,976 | $8,749 |
| Payback | 5.8 yrs | — |
| 20-year net return | $171,624 | -$212,100 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Ohio State University-Main Campus vs Columbus State Community College: frequently asked questions
Is Ohio State University-Main Campus or Columbus State Community College a better value?
Ohio State University-Main Campus. It clears its $69,356 net cost in about 5.8 years versus no clear payback at Columbus State Community College, on median earnings of $60,409 vs $39,435 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Ohio State University-Main Campus or Columbus State Community College?
Columbus State Community College: $8,400/yr net price after aid versus $17,339/yr at Ohio State University-Main Campus — a difference of $8,939 a year, or about $35,756 over four years.
Do Ohio State University-Main Campus or Columbus State Community College graduates earn more?
Ohio State University-Main Campus graduates earn a median $60,409 ten years after entry, versus $39,435 at Columbus State Community College — a $20,974 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.