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Ohio University-Main Campus vs University of Mount Union: which has better ROI?

Public, Athens OH · vs · Private nonprofit, Alliance OH

The verdict

University of Mount Union has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $93,120 in 19.2 years versus 20.5 years at Ohio University-Main Campus, on median earnings of $53,217 vs $52,581 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureOhio University-Main CampusUniversity of Mount Union
Net price / yr$21,637$23,280
Total net cost$86,548$93,120
Median earnings, 10 yrs$52,581$53,217
Median debt$21,056$27,000
Payback20.5 yrs19.2 yrs
20-year net return-$2,128$4,020

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

Which is cheaper, Ohio University-Main Campus or University of Mount Union?

Ohio University-Main Campus, at $21,637 a year after aid versus $23,280 — a gap of $1,643 a year, or $6,572 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 University of Mount Union graduates earn more?

University of Mount Union graduates report a median $53,217 ten years after entry, $636 more than the $52,581 at Ohio University-Main Campus. 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 University of Mount Union?

Ohio University-Main Campus: its completers carry a median $21,056 in federal loans versus $27,000 at University of Mount Union, a difference of $5,944. 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 59% at University of Mount Union. 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 University-Main Campus vs University of Mount Union: frequently asked questions

Is Ohio University-Main Campus or University of Mount Union a better value?
University of Mount Union. It clears its $93,120 net cost in about 19.2 years versus 20.5 years at Ohio University-Main Campus, on median earnings of $53,217 vs $52,581 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Ohio University-Main Campus or University of Mount Union?
Ohio University-Main Campus: $21,637/yr net price after aid versus $23,280/yr at University of Mount Union — a difference of $1,643 a year, or about $6,572 over four years.
Do Ohio University-Main Campus or University of Mount Union graduates earn more?
University of Mount Union graduates earn a median $53,217 ten years after entry, versus $52,581 at Ohio University-Main Campus — a $636 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.