Degree Dividend
Sourced from federal dataEvery figure datedNo rankings for sale

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

Public, Columbus OH · vs · Public, Athens 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 20.5 years at Ohio University-Main Campus, on median earnings of $60,409 vs $52,581 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

Head to head
MeasureOhio State University-Main CampusOhio University-Main Campus
Net price / yr$17,339$21,637
Total net cost$69,356$86,548
Median earnings, 10 yrs$60,409$52,581
Median debt$19,976$21,056
Payback5.8 yrs20.5 yrs
20-year net return$171,624$-2,128

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