University of Cincinnati-Main Campus vs Virginia Commonwealth 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 and Virginia Commonwealth University are closely matched on financial return. University of Cincinnati-Main Campus scores 55/100 while Virginia Commonwealth University scores 55/100 - a gap small enough that individual circumstances (major choice, financial aid package, in-state vs out-of-state status) will likely matter more than the overall score difference.
On cost, Virginia Commonwealth University comes in at $23,433 per year (net price after aid) versus $25,648 at University of Cincinnati-Main Campus - a difference of $2,215 annually, or roughly $8,860 over four years.
Ten years after enrollment, Virginia Commonwealth University graduates earn a median of $58,128 compared to $54,810 at University of Cincinnati-Main Campus. The payback period is 12.2 years at University of Cincinnati-Main Campus versus 10.1 years at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Graduates leave University of Cincinnati-Main Campus with a median $21,250 in debt versus $21,500 at Virginia Commonwealth University. The debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.54 and 0.57 respectively - financial advisors generally recommend staying below 1.0.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | University of Cincinnati-... | Virginia Commonwealth Uni... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $13,976 | $16,945 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $29,310 | $40,109 |
| Net Price (avg) | $25,648 | $23,433 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $102,592 | $93,732 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $39,600 | $37,500 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $54,810 | $58,128 |
| Graduation Rate | 75.0% | 63.2% |
| Payback Period | 12.2 yr | 10.1 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $21,250 | $21,500 |
| Monthly Payment | $225 | $228 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.54 | 0.57 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 75.2% | 64.7% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 61.7% | 61.3% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 85.3% | 92.6% |
| Enrollment | 29,882 | 20,753 |
| SAT Range | 1160-1370 | 1010-1270 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of Cincin... | Virginia Commonwealt... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $17,974 | $17,512 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $18,092 | $17,777 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $22,492 | $20,925 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $27,596 | $24,691 |
| $110,001+ | $29,616 | $32,739 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | University of Cincin... | Virginia Commonwealt... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences | $100,975 | $118,521 |
| Computer Engineering | $102,273 | $118,273 |
| Electrical Engineering | $98,364 | $107,487 |
| Chemical Engineering | $97,220 | $97,781 |
| Information Science | $93,694 | $87,219 |
| Biomedical Engineering | $90,897 | $86,295 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic and Treatment | $89,915 | $77,786 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $86,331 | $88,410 |
| Registered Nursing | $85,551 | $86,661 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions | $79,742 | $80,344 |
| Accounting | $75,921 | $78,631 |
| Mathematics | $76,667 | $68,457 |
| Marketing | $72,881 | $68,622 |
| Chemistry | $72,302 | $67,439 |
| Design and Applied Arts | $71,605 | $53,575 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University of Cincin... | Virginia Commonwealt... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 39 | 54 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 48 | 61 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 66 | 58 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 85 | 65 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 55 | 26 |
| Overall ROI Score | 55 | 55 |
The Verdict
These two schools are closely matched on financial outcomes. University of Cincinnati-Main Campus edges out Virginia Commonwealth University by 0 points (55 vs 55), 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
Virginia Commonwealth 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.