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Washington State College of Ohio vs Aveda Institute-Columbus: which has better ROI?

Public, Marietta OH · vs · Private for-profit, Columbus OH

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Washington State College of Ohio comes closer — median earnings $37,988 against a $15,428 total, vs $30,231 at Aveda Institute-Columbus. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureWashington State College of OhioAveda Institute-Columbus
Net price / yr$7,714$20,800
Total net cost$15,428$83,200
Median earnings, 10 yrs$37,988$30,231
Median debt$11,000$6,333
Payback
20-year net return-$222,868-$445,780

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

Which is cheaper, Washington State College of Ohio or Aveda Institute-Columbus?

Washington State College of Ohio, at $7,714 a year after aid versus $20,800 — a gap of $13,086 a year, or $67,772 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Washington State College of Ohio or Aveda Institute-Columbus graduates earn more?

Washington State College of Ohio graduates report a median $37,988 ten years after entry, $7,757 more than the $30,231 at Aveda Institute-Columbus. 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, Washington State College of Ohio or Aveda Institute-Columbus?

Aveda Institute-Columbus: its completers carry a median $6,333 in federal loans versus $11,000 at Washington State College of Ohio, a difference of $4,667. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

74% of students finish at Aveda Institute-Columbus, against 32% at Washington State College of Ohio. 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.

Washington State College of Ohio vs Aveda Institute-Columbus: frequently asked questions

Is Washington State College of Ohio or Aveda Institute-Columbus a better value?
Washington State College of Ohio comes closer, but neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings — the field you study decides it here more than the school.
Which is cheaper, Washington State College of Ohio or Aveda Institute-Columbus?
Washington State College of Ohio: $7,714/yr net price after aid versus $20,800/yr at Aveda Institute-Columbus — a difference of $13,086 a year, or about $67,772 over four years.
Do Washington State College of Ohio or Aveda Institute-Columbus graduates earn more?
Washington State College of Ohio graduates earn a median $37,988 ten years after entry, versus $30,231 at Aveda Institute-Columbus — a $7,757 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.