Degree Dividend
Sourced from federal dataEvery figure datedNo rankings for sale

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

Public, Columbus OH · vs · Public, Cincinnati 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 15.9 years at University of Cincinnati-Main Campus, on median earnings of $60,409 vs $54,810 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

Head to head
MeasureOhio State University-Main CampusUniversity of Cincinnati-Main Campus
Net price / yr$17,339$25,648
Total net cost$69,356$102,592
Median earnings, 10 yrs$60,409$54,810
Median debt$19,976$21,250
Payback5.8 yrs15.9 yrs
20-year net return$171,624$26,408

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