University of Cincinnati-Main Campus vs Virginia Commonwealth University

Good news if you're stuck between them: University of Cincinnati-Main Campus and Virginia Commonwealth University come out about even on financial return. University of Cincinnati-Main Campus scores 55/100 and Virginia Commonwealth University scores 55/100 - close enough that your own situation (your major, the aid package each one offers you, in-state vs out-of-state) will matter more than the score gap.

Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, Virginia Commonwealth University runs $23,433 a year against $25,648 at University of Cincinnati-Main Campus - $2,215 more a year, or about $8,860 across four years.

Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Virginia Commonwealth University graduates earn a median $58,128 against $54,810 at University of Cincinnati-Main Campus. The cost earns itself back in 12.2 years at University of Cincinnati-Main Campus and 10.1 years at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave University of Cincinnati-Main Campus owing a median $21,250 versus $21,500 at Virginia Commonwealth University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.54 and 0.57 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.