Ohio State University-Main Campus vs University of Akron Wayne College
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 48/100, a 29-point edge over University of Akron Wayne College. 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 Wayne College runs $6,032 a year against $17,339 at Ohio State University-Main Campus - $11,307 more a year, or about $45,228 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 Wayne College. The cost earns itself back in 8.2 years at Ohio State University-Main Campus and 14.1 years at University of Akron Wayne College.
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 Wayne College. 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 Wayne... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $13,244 | $7,723 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $40,022 | $15,403 |
| Net Price (avg) | $17,339 | $6,032 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $69,356 | $24,128 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $41,500 | $33,900 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $60,409 | $46,600 |
| Graduation Rate | 87.7% | 18.5% |
| Payback Period | 8.2 yr | 14.1 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% | 89.9% |
| Enrollment | 45,638 | 457 |
| SAT Range | 1310-1480 | 830-1100 |
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 | $3,982 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $5,751 | $4,100 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $9,807 | $6,663 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $20,461 | $11,082 |
| $110,001+ | $27,359 | $12,160 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Ohio State Universit... | University of Akron ... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 78 | 89 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 74 | 40 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 77 | 32 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 95 | 4 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 54 | 41 |
| Overall ROI Score | 77 | 48 |
The Verdict
On the money, this one isn't close: Ohio State University-Main Campus clearly outperforms University of Akron Wayne College (77 vs 48), a 29-point gap driven by better earnings for what graduates paid. Unless University of Akron Wayne College 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.
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Ohio State University-Main Campus
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
University of Akron Wayne College
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.