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

Public, Blue Ash OH · vs · Public, Lima OH

The verdict

Ohio State University-Lima Campus has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $51,760 in 4.3 years versus 5.1 years at University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash College, on median earnings of $60,409 vs $54,810 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Cincinnati-Blue Ash CollegeOhio State University-Lima Campus
Net price / yr$16,508$12,940
Total net cost$33,016$51,760
Median earnings, 10 yrs$54,810$60,409
Median debt$21,250$19,976
Payback5.1 yrs4.3 yrs
20-year net return$95,984$189,220

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

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

Ohio State University-Lima Campus, at $12,940 a year after aid versus $16,508 — a gap of $3,568 a year, or $18,744 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash College or Ohio State University-Lima Campus graduates earn more?

Ohio State University-Lima 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, University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash College or Ohio State University-Lima Campus?

Ohio State University-Lima 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?

23% of students finish at Ohio State University-Lima 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.

University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash College vs Ohio State University-Lima Campus: frequently asked questions

Is University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash College or Ohio State University-Lima Campus a better value?
Ohio State University-Lima Campus. It clears its $51,760 net cost in about 4.3 years versus 5.1 years at University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash College, on median earnings of $60,409 vs $54,810 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash College or Ohio State University-Lima Campus?
Ohio State University-Lima Campus: $12,940/yr net price after aid versus $16,508/yr at University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash College — a difference of $3,568 a year, or about $18,744 over four years.
Do University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash College or Ohio State University-Lima Campus graduates earn more?
Ohio State University-Lima 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.