University of Cincinnati-Main Campus vs Cleveland State University: which has better ROI?
Cleveland State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $59,056 in 15.7 years versus 15.9 years at University of Cincinnati-Main Campus, on median earnings of $52,131 vs $54,810 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Cincinnati-Main Campus | Cleveland State University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $25,648 | $14,764 |
| Total net cost | $102,592 | $59,056 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $54,810 | $52,131 |
| Median debt | $21,250 | $21,797 |
| Payback | 15.9 yrs | 15.7 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $26,408 | $16,364 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Cincinnati-Main Campus or Cleveland State University?
Cleveland State University, at $14,764 a year after aid versus $25,648 — a gap of $10,884 a year, or $43,536 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 Cleveland State University graduates earn more?
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus graduates report a median $54,810 ten years after entry, $2,679 more than the $52,131 at Cleveland State 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 Cleveland State University?
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus: its completers carry a median $21,250 in federal loans versus $21,797 at Cleveland State University, a difference of $547. 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 51% at Cleveland State 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.