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Ohio State University-Main Campus vs Hondros College of Nursing: which has better ROI?

Public, Columbus OH · vs · Private for-profit, 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 10.1 years at Hondros College of Nursing, on median earnings of $60,409 vs $58,636 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureOhio State University-Main CampusHondros College of Nursing
Net price / yr$17,339$26,014
Total net cost$69,356$104,056
Median earnings, 10 yrs$60,409$58,636
Median debt$19,976$15,833
Payback5.8 yrs10.1 yrs
20-year net return$171,624$101,464

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

Which is cheaper, Ohio State University-Main Campus or Hondros College of Nursing?

Ohio State University-Main Campus, at $17,339 a year after aid versus $26,014 — a gap of $8,675 a year, or $34,700 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 Hondros College of Nursing graduates earn more?

Ohio State University-Main Campus graduates report a median $60,409 ten years after entry, $1,773 more than the $58,636 at Hondros College of Nursing. 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 Hondros College of Nursing?

Hondros College of Nursing: its completers carry a median $15,833 in federal loans versus $19,976 at Ohio State University-Main Campus, a difference of $4,143. 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 21% at Hondros College of Nursing. 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 Hondros College of Nursing: frequently asked questions

Is Ohio State University-Main Campus or Hondros College of Nursing a better value?
Ohio State University-Main Campus. It clears its $69,356 net cost in about 5.8 years versus 10.1 years at Hondros College of Nursing, on median earnings of $60,409 vs $58,636 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Ohio State University-Main Campus or Hondros College of Nursing?
Ohio State University-Main Campus: $17,339/yr net price after aid versus $26,014/yr at Hondros College of Nursing — a difference of $8,675 a year, or about $34,700 over four years.
Do Ohio State University-Main Campus or Hondros College of Nursing graduates earn more?
Ohio State University-Main Campus graduates earn a median $60,409 ten years after entry, versus $58,636 at Hondros College of Nursing — a $1,773 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.