Ohio University-Main Campus vs Kent State University at Kent: which has better ROI?
Ohio University-Main Campus has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $86,548 in 20.5 years versus not at all at Kent State University at Kent, on median earnings of $52,581 vs $45,388 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Ohio University-Main Campus | Kent State University at Kent |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $21,637 | $20,787 |
| Total net cost | $86,548 | $83,148 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $52,581 | $45,388 |
| Median debt | $21,056 | $24,500 |
| Payback | 20.5 yrs | — |
| 20-year net return | -$2,128 | -$142,588 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Ohio University-Main Campus or Kent State University at Kent?
Kent State University at Kent, at $20,787 a year after aid versus $21,637 — a gap of $850 a year, or $3,400 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 University-Main Campus or Kent State University at Kent graduates earn more?
Ohio University-Main Campus graduates report a median $52,581 ten years after entry, $7,193 more than the $45,388 at Kent State University at Kent. 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 University-Main Campus or Kent State University at Kent?
Ohio University-Main Campus: its completers carry a median $21,056 in federal loans versus $24,500 at Kent State University at Kent, a difference of $3,444. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
65% of students finish at Ohio University-Main Campus, against 64% at Kent State University at Kent. 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.