University of Cincinnati-Main Campus vs Georgia Southern University
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
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus holds a 3-point ROI advantage over Georgia Southern University, scoring 55/100 versus 52/100. 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 $25,648 at University of Cincinnati-Main Campus - a difference of $10,381 annually, or roughly $41,524 over four years.
Ten years after enrollment, University of Cincinnati-Main Campus graduates earn a median of $54,810 compared to $53,236 at Georgia Southern University. The payback period is 12.2 years at University of Cincinnati-Main Campus versus 11 years at Georgia Southern University.
Graduates leave University of Cincinnati-Main Campus with a median $21,250 in debt versus $23,250 at Georgia Southern University. The debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.54 and 0.63 respectively - financial advisors generally recommend staying below 1.0.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | University of Cincinnati-... | Georgia Southern Universi... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $13,976 | $6,022 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $29,310 | $17,734 |
| Net Price (avg) | $25,648 | $15,267 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $102,592 | $61,068 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $39,600 | $36,800 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $54,810 | $53,236 |
| Graduation Rate | 75.0% | 54.9% |
| Payback Period | 12.2 yr | 11 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $21,250 | $23,250 |
| Monthly Payment | $225 | $246 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.54 | 0.63 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 75.2% | 63.6% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 61.7% | 57.0% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 85.3% | 87.9% |
| Enrollment | 29,882 | 21,790 |
| SAT Range | 1160-1370 | 986-1133 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of Cincin... | Georgia Southern Uni... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $17,974 | $12,162 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $18,092 | $12,564 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $22,492 | $14,965 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $27,596 | $18,408 |
| $110,001+ | $29,616 | $19,789 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | University of Cincin... | Georgia Southern Uni... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences | $100,975 | $92,026 |
| Electrical Engineering | $98,364 | $95,467 |
| Information Science | $93,694 | $80,409 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic and Treatment | $89,915 | $66,017 |
| Civil Engineering | $89,653 | $78,034 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $86,331 | $87,731 |
| Registered Nursing | $85,551 | $79,988 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $83,501 | $79,411 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions | $79,742 | $72,156 |
| Mathematics | $76,667 | $59,424 |
| Accounting | $75,921 | $74,282 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $75,398 | $74,726 |
| Marketing | $72,881 | $69,425 |
| Chemistry | $72,302 | $65,629 |
| Design and Applied Arts | $71,605 | $53,396 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University of Cincin... | Georgia Southern Uni... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 39 | 66 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 48 | 55 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 66 | 44 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 85 | 49 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 55 | 24 |
| Overall ROI Score | 55 | 52 |
The Verdict
These two schools are closely matched on financial outcomes. University of Cincinnati-Main Campus edges out Georgia Southern University by 3 points (55 vs 52), 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.
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University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
Below Average Value - Full profile and breakdown
Georgia Southern University
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.