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Ohio State University-Main Campus vs University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash College: which has better ROI?

Public, Columbus OH · vs · Public, Blue Ash OH

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

The verdict

University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash College has the better ROI: it clears its 2-year net cost of $33,016 in 5.1 years versus 5.8 years at Ohio State University-Main Campus, on median earnings of $54,810 vs $60,409 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureOhio State University-Main CampusUniversity of Cincinnati-Blue Ash College
Net price / yr$17,339$16,508
Total net cost$69,356$33,016
Median earnings, 10 yrs$60,409$54,810
Median debt$19,976$21,250
Payback5.8 yrs5.1 yrs
20-year net return$171,624$95,984

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

Which is cheaper, Ohio State University-Main Campus or University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash College?

University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash College, at $16,508 a year after aid versus $17,339 — a gap of $831 a year, or $36,340 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 University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash College graduates earn more?

Ohio State University-Main Campus graduates report a median $60,409 ten years after entry, $5,599 more than the $54,810 at University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash College. 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 University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash College?

Ohio State University-Main Campus: its completers carry a median $19,976 in federal loans versus $21,250 at University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash College, a difference of $1,274. 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 16% at University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash College. 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 University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash College: frequently asked questions

Is Ohio State University-Main Campus or University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash College a better value?
University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash College. It clears its $33,016 net cost in about 5.1 years versus 5.8 years at Ohio State University-Main Campus, on median earnings of $54,810 vs $60,409 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Ohio State University-Main Campus or University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash College?
University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash College: $16,508/yr net price after aid versus $17,339/yr at Ohio State University-Main Campus — a difference of $831 a year, or about $36,340 over four years.
Do Ohio State University-Main Campus or University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash College graduates earn more?
Ohio State University-Main Campus graduates earn a median $60,409 ten years after entry, versus $54,810 at University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash College — a $5,599 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.