Ohio State University-Main Campus vs University of Akron 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, Ohio State University-Main Campus comes out ahead: 77/100 to 38/100, a 39-point edge over University of Akron 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, University of Akron Main Campus runs $13,946 a year against $17,339 at Ohio State University-Main Campus - $3,393 more a year, or about $13,572 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Ohio State University-Main Campus graduates earn a median $60,409 against $46,600 at University of Akron Main Campus. The cost earns itself back in 8.2 years at Ohio State University-Main Campus and 16.9 years at University of Akron Main Campus.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Ohio State University-Main Campus owing a median $19,976 versus $23,250 at University of Akron Main Campus. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.48 and 0.69 - 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 | Ohio State University-Mai... | University of Akron Main ... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $13,244 | $13,135 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $40,022 | $20,815 |
| Net Price (avg) | $17,339 | $13,946 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $69,356 | $55,784 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $41,500 | $33,900 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $60,409 | $46,600 |
| Graduation Rate | 87.7% | 51.9% |
| Payback Period | 8.2 yr | 16.9 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $19,976 | $23,250 |
| Monthly Payment | $212 | $246 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.48 | 0.69 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 74.7% | 70.6% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 68.0% | 51.7% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 60.6% | 59.7% |
| Enrollment | 45,638 | 9,052 |
| SAT Range | 1310-1480 | 900-1190 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Ohio State Universit... | University of Akron ... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $4,885 | $10,413 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $5,751 | $10,131 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $9,807 | $13,519 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $20,461 | $17,800 |
| $110,001+ | $27,359 | $20,226 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Ohio State Universit... | University of Akron ... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Engineering | $123,731 | $96,791 |
| Electrical Engineering | $99,400 | $97,875 |
| Chemical Engineering | $98,851 | $90,279 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $97,986 | $74,840 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $96,418 | $87,752 |
| Accounting | $90,850 | $73,101 |
| Biomedical Engineering | $90,065 | $82,540 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $85,586 | $68,285 |
| Civil Engineering | $85,202 | $82,547 |
| Human Resources Management | $82,371 | $67,903 |
| Registered Nursing | $81,795 | $76,089 |
| Marketing | $81,119 | $65,857 |
| Chemistry | $71,559 | $62,661 |
| Health/Medical Preparatory Programs | $71,189 | $65,928 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic and Treatment | $68,942 | $58,061 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Ohio State Universit... | University of Akron ... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 78 | 44 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 74 | 32 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 77 | 32 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 95 | 43 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 54 | 41 |
| Overall ROI Score | 77 | 38 |
The Verdict
On the money, this one isn't close: Ohio State University-Main Campus clearly outperforms University of Akron Main Campus (77 vs 38), a 39-point gap driven by better earnings for what graduates paid. Unless University of Akron Main Campus brings something that matters to you specifically - a standout program in your major, a full scholarship, or reasons beyond the money - the data points to Ohio State University-Main Campus.
Want to personalize these numbers?
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Ohio State University-Main Campus
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
University of Akron Main Campus
Poor 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.