Georgia Southern University vs Ohio University-Main Campus
Side-by-side ROI comparison using U.S. Department of Education data. Which school delivers a better financial return?
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
Georgia Southern University holds a 4-point ROI advantage over Ohio University-Main Campus, scoring 52/100 versus 48/100. That gap reflects meaningful differences in how costs, earnings, and debt stack up for graduates of each institution.
On cost, Georgia Southern University comes in at $15,267 per year (net price after aid) versus $21,637 at Ohio University-Main Campus - a difference of $6,370 annually, or roughly $25,480 over four years.
Ten years after enrollment, Georgia Southern University graduates earn a median of $53,236 compared to $52,581 at Ohio University-Main Campus. The payback period is 11 years at Georgia Southern University versus 12.9 years at Ohio University-Main Campus.
Graduates leave Ohio University-Main Campus with a median $21,056 in debt versus $23,250 at Georgia Southern University. The debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.63 and 0.59 respectively - financial advisors generally recommend staying below 1.0.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | Georgia Southern Universi... | Ohio University-Main Camp... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $6,022 | $14,158 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $17,734 | $24,838 |
| Net Price (avg) | $15,267 | $21,637 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $61,068 | $86,548 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $36,800 | $35,900 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $53,236 | $52,581 |
| Graduation Rate | 54.9% | 65.5% |
| Payback Period | 11 yr | 12.9 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $23,250 | $21,056 |
| Monthly Payment | $246 | $223 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.63 | 0.59 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 63.6% | 67.9% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 57.0% | 55.8% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 87.9% | 85.0% |
| Enrollment | 21,790 | 19,633 |
| SAT Range | 986-1133 | 1090-1290 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Georgia Southern Uni... | Ohio University-Main... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $12,162 | $15,673 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $12,564 | $15,160 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $14,965 | $19,078 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $18,408 | $23,689 |
| $110,001+ | $19,789 | $24,492 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Georgia Southern Uni... | Ohio University-Main... |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Engineering | $95,467 | $94,673 |
| Management Information Systems | $81,310 | $93,774 |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $92,026 | $60,767 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $87,731 | $91,285 |
| Registered Nursing | $79,988 | $87,308 |
| Accounting | $74,282 | $84,002 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $79,411 | $81,299 |
| Civil Engineering | $78,034 | $81,019 |
| Marketing | $69,425 | $78,506 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $74,726 | $71,478 |
| Mathematics | $59,424 | $67,562 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic and Treatment | $66,017 | $51,652 |
| Chemistry | $65,629 | $54,576 |
| Public Health | $49,881 | $62,153 |
| Business Information Systems | $57,606 | $60,236 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Georgia Southern Uni... | Ohio University-Main... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 66 | 42 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 55 | 45 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 44 | 54 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 49 | 69 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 24 | 34 |
| Overall ROI Score | 52 | 48 |
The Verdict
These two schools are closely matched on financial outcomes. Georgia Southern University edges out Ohio University-Main Campus by 4 points (52 vs 48), but the difference is small enough that major choice and individual circumstances will matter more than the school-level ROI difference. Run the numbers for your specific situation using the calculator below.
Want to personalize these numbers?
The ROI calculator lets you plug in your financial aid, intended major, and living situation for a tailored comparison.
Georgia Southern University
Below Average Value - Full profile and breakdown
Ohio University-Main Campus
Below Average Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.