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Ohio State University-Main Campus vs Franklin University: which has better ROI?

Public, Columbus OH · vs · Private nonprofit, Columbus OH

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 28.6 years at Franklin University, on median earnings of $60,409 vs $51,892 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureOhio State University-Main CampusFranklin University
Net price / yr$17,339$25,243
Total net cost$69,356$100,972
Median earnings, 10 yrs$60,409$51,892
Median debt$19,976$20,836
Payback5.8 yrs28.6 yrs
20-year net return$171,624-$30,332

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

Which is cheaper, Ohio State University-Main Campus or Franklin University?

Ohio State University-Main Campus, at $17,339 a year after aid versus $25,243 — a gap of $7,904 a year, or $31,616 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Ohio State University-Main Campus or Franklin University graduates earn more?

Ohio State University-Main Campus graduates report a median $60,409 ten years after entry, $8,517 more than the $51,892 at Franklin 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, Ohio State University-Main Campus or Franklin University?

Ohio State University-Main Campus: its completers carry a median $19,976 in federal loans versus $20,836 at Franklin University, a difference of $860. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

88% of students finish at Ohio State University-Main Campus, against 11% at Franklin 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.

Ohio State University-Main Campus vs Franklin University: frequently asked questions

Is Ohio State University-Main Campus or Franklin University a better value?
Ohio State University-Main Campus. It clears its $69,356 net cost in about 5.8 years versus 28.6 years at Franklin University, on median earnings of $60,409 vs $51,892 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Ohio State University-Main Campus or Franklin University?
Ohio State University-Main Campus: $17,339/yr net price after aid versus $25,243/yr at Franklin University — a difference of $7,904 a year, or about $31,616 over four years.
Do Ohio State University-Main Campus or Franklin University graduates earn more?
Ohio State University-Main Campus graduates earn a median $60,409 ten years after entry, versus $51,892 at Franklin University — a $8,517 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.