University of Cincinnati-Main Campus vs Georgia Southern University
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, University of Cincinnati-Main Campus comes out ahead: 55/100 to 52/100, a 3-point edge over Georgia Southern University. 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 $25,648 at University of Cincinnati-Main Campus - $10,381 more a year, or about $41,524 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, University of Cincinnati-Main Campus graduates earn a median $54,810 against $53,236 at Georgia Southern University. The cost earns itself back in 12.2 years at University of Cincinnati-Main Campus and 11 years at Georgia Southern University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave University of Cincinnati-Main Campus owing a median $21,250 versus $23,250 at Georgia Southern University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.54 and 0.63 - 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 | 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
It's close. University of Cincinnati-Main Campus edges out Georgia Southern University by 3 points (55 vs 52), 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.
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.