Georgia Southern University vs Ohio University-Main Campus
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
On the numbers, Georgia Southern University comes out ahead: 52/100 to 48/100, a 4-point edge over Ohio University-Main Campus. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, Georgia Southern University runs $15,267 a year against $21,637 at Ohio University-Main Campus - $6,370 more a year, or about $25,480 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Georgia Southern University graduates earn a median $53,236 against $52,581 at Ohio University-Main Campus. The cost earns itself back in 11 years at Georgia Southern University and 12.9 years at Ohio University-Main Campus.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Ohio University-Main Campus owing a median $21,056 versus $23,250 at Georgia Southern University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.63 and 0.59 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
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
It's close. Georgia Southern University edges out Ohio University-Main Campus by 4 points (52 vs 48), but that's slim enough that your major and your own aid offers will decide this more than the ROI score does. Run your actual numbers in the calculator below before you call it.
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.