University of Cincinnati-Main Campus vs Capital University: which has better ROI?
Capital University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $90,304 in 15.6 years versus 15.9 years at University of Cincinnati-Main Campus, on median earnings of $54,143 vs $54,810 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Cincinnati-Main Campus | Capital University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $25,648 | $22,576 |
| Total net cost | $102,592 | $90,304 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $54,810 | $54,143 |
| Median debt | $21,250 | $26,889 |
| Payback | 15.9 yrs | 15.6 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $26,408 | $25,356 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Cincinnati-Main Campus or Capital University?
Capital University, at $22,576 a year after aid versus $25,648 — a gap of $3,072 a year, or $12,288 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-Main Campus or Capital University graduates earn more?
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus graduates report a median $54,810 ten years after entry, $667 more than the $54,143 at Capital University. 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-Main Campus or Capital University?
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus: its completers carry a median $21,250 in federal loans versus $26,889 at Capital University, a difference of $5,639. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
75% of students finish at University of Cincinnati-Main Campus, against 60% at Capital University. 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.