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Wright State University-Main Campus vs Franciscan University of Steubenville: which has better ROI?

Public, Dayton OH · vs · Private nonprofit, Steubenville OH

The verdict

Wright State University-Main Campus has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $61,660 in 54.1 years versus 56.5 years at Franciscan University of Steubenville, on median earnings of $49,500 vs $50,030 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureWright State University-Main CampusFranciscan University of Steubenville
Net price / yr$15,415$23,589
Total net cost$61,660$94,356
Median earnings, 10 yrs$49,500$50,030
Median debt$22,750$23,384
Payback54.1 yrs56.5 yrs
20-year net return-$38,860-$60,956

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

Which is cheaper, Wright State University-Main Campus or Franciscan University of Steubenville?

Wright State University-Main Campus, at $15,415 a year after aid versus $23,589 — a gap of $8,174 a year, or $32,696 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Wright State University-Main Campus or Franciscan University of Steubenville graduates earn more?

Franciscan University of Steubenville graduates report a median $50,030 ten years after entry, $530 more than the $49,500 at Wright State University-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, Wright State University-Main Campus or Franciscan University of Steubenville?

Wright State University-Main Campus: its completers carry a median $22,750 in federal loans versus $23,384 at Franciscan University of Steubenville, a difference of $634. 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 Franciscan University of Steubenville, against 42% at Wright State University-Main Campus. 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.

Wright State University-Main Campus vs Franciscan University of Steubenville: frequently asked questions

Is Wright State University-Main Campus or Franciscan University of Steubenville a better value?
Wright State University-Main Campus. It clears its $61,660 net cost in about 54.1 years versus 56.5 years at Franciscan University of Steubenville, on median earnings of $49,500 vs $50,030 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Wright State University-Main Campus or Franciscan University of Steubenville?
Wright State University-Main Campus: $15,415/yr net price after aid versus $23,589/yr at Franciscan University of Steubenville — a difference of $8,174 a year, or about $32,696 over four years.
Do Wright State University-Main Campus or Franciscan University of Steubenville graduates earn more?
Franciscan University of Steubenville graduates earn a median $50,030 ten years after entry, versus $49,500 at Wright State University-Main Campus — a $530 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.