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University of Cincinnati-Main Campus vs Xavier University: which has better ROI?

Public, Cincinnati OH · vs · Private nonprofit, Cincinnati OH

The verdict

Xavier University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $131,988 in 8 years versus 15.9 years at University of Cincinnati-Main Campus, on median earnings of $64,873 vs $54,810 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Cincinnati-Main CampusXavier University
Net price / yr$25,648$32,997
Total net cost$102,592$131,988
Median earnings, 10 yrs$54,810$64,873
Median debt$21,250$23,250
Payback15.9 yrs8 yrs
20-year net return$26,408$198,272

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

Which is cheaper, University of Cincinnati-Main Campus or Xavier University?

University of Cincinnati-Main Campus, at $25,648 a year after aid versus $32,997 — a gap of $7,349 a year, or $29,396 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 Xavier University graduates earn more?

Xavier University graduates report a median $64,873 ten years after entry, $10,063 more than the $54,810 at University of Cincinnati-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, University of Cincinnati-Main Campus or Xavier University?

University of Cincinnati-Main Campus: its completers carry a median $21,250 in federal loans versus $23,250 at Xavier University, a difference of $2,000. 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 69% at Xavier 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.

University of Cincinnati-Main Campus vs Xavier University: frequently asked questions

Is University of Cincinnati-Main Campus or Xavier University a better value?
Xavier University. It clears its $131,988 net cost in about 8 years versus 15.9 years at University of Cincinnati-Main Campus, on median earnings of $64,873 vs $54,810 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Cincinnati-Main Campus or Xavier University?
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus: $25,648/yr net price after aid versus $32,997/yr at Xavier University — a difference of $7,349 a year, or about $29,396 over four years.
Do University of Cincinnati-Main Campus or Xavier University graduates earn more?
Xavier University graduates earn a median $64,873 ten years after entry, versus $54,810 at University of Cincinnati-Main Campus — a $10,063 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.