University of Cincinnati-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, University of Cincinnati-Main Campus comes out ahead: 55/100 to 38/100, a 17-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 $25,648 at University of Cincinnati-Main Campus - $11,702 more a year, or about $46,808 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 $46,600 at University of Akron Main Campus. The cost earns itself back in 12.2 years at University of Cincinnati-Main Campus and 16.9 years at University of Akron Main Campus.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave University of Cincinnati-Main Campus owing a median $21,250 versus $23,250 at University of Akron Main Campus. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.54 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 | University of Cincinnati-... | University of Akron Main ... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $13,976 | $13,135 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $29,310 | $20,815 |
| Net Price (avg) | $25,648 | $13,946 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $102,592 | $55,784 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $39,600 | $33,900 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $54,810 | $46,600 |
| Graduation Rate | 75.0% | 51.9% |
| Payback Period | 12.2 yr | 16.9 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $21,250 | $23,250 |
| Monthly Payment | $225 | $246 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.54 | 0.69 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 75.2% | 70.6% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 61.7% | 51.7% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 85.3% | 59.7% |
| Enrollment | 29,882 | 9,052 |
| SAT Range | 1160-1370 | 900-1190 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of Cincin... | University of Akron ... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $17,974 | $10,413 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $18,092 | $10,131 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $22,492 | $13,519 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $27,596 | $17,800 |
| $110,001+ | $29,616 | $20,226 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | University of Cincin... | University of Akron ... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Engineering | $102,273 | $96,791 |
| Electrical Engineering | $98,364 | $97,875 |
| Chemical Engineering | $97,220 | $90,279 |
| Information Science | $93,694 | $77,590 |
| Biomedical Engineering | $90,897 | $82,540 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic and Treatment | $89,915 | $58,061 |
| Civil Engineering | $89,653 | $82,547 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $86,331 | $87,752 |
| Registered Nursing | $85,551 | $76,089 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $83,501 | $74,840 |
| Accounting | $75,921 | $73,101 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $75,398 | $68,285 |
| Marketing | $72,881 | $65,857 |
| Chemistry | $72,302 | $62,661 |
| Design and Applied Arts | $71,605 | $50,484 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University of Cincin... | University of Akron ... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 39 | 44 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 48 | 32 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 66 | 32 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 85 | 43 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 55 | 41 |
| Overall ROI Score | 55 | 38 |
The Verdict
On the money, this one isn't close: University of Cincinnati-Main Campus clearly outperforms University of Akron Main Campus (55 vs 38), a 17-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 University of Cincinnati-Main Campus.
Want to personalize these numbers?
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University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
Below Average 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.