Miami University-Hamilton
Hamilton, Ohio · Public
ROI Score: 62/100 · Fair Value
Miami University-Hamilton scores 62 (Fair Value) on the CampusROI scale. The earnings picture is reasonable -- $40,800 median 6-year earnings and a 9.2-year payback on $11,286 net price -- but a 24.9% completion rate is a serious structural problem. Fewer than one in four students who start here finish, which is one of the lowest completion rates in this dataset. That single number undermines much of the value proposition. The institution is a regional campus of Miami University in Hamilton, Ohio, serving a predominantly commuter population with open or near-open admissions (no test data reported). In-state tuition is $7,491. Net price by income is low across all brackets, with the lowest-income students paying $7,760 per year. Where graduates do complete, the outcomes are competitive: Registered Nursing leads with $71,404 year-one earnings and $77,451 at year four (B grade); Engineering Technologies follows at $69,483 year one; and Computer and Information Sciences hits $66,030 year one. The critical caveat is that completion rates on a per-program basis are not separable from the institution-wide figure, so the earnings data reflects completers only -- a self-selected group.
The data raises concerns about Miami University-Hamilton
These metrics fall below the thresholds most financial advisors recommend for a sound college investment. Review them carefully before committing.
- 6-year graduation rate24.9% - Well below the 60% national average. Non-completion is the fastest route to negative ROI.
Miami University-Hamilton
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $7,491/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $19,407/yr |
| Average net price | $11,286/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $45,144 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $55,076 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $40,800 |
| Median debt at graduation | $23,000 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $244 |
| Estimated payback period | 9.2 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 24.9% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 2,043 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Miami University-Hamilton is $7,491/year ($19,407/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $11,286/year, or roughly $45,144 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $7,760/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $14,425/year.
The median graduate leaves with $23,000 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $244 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $55,076 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.56 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,760 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,737 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,171 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,775 |
| $110,001+ | $14,425 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
The 0-30000 income bracket pays $7,760 per year -- genuinely low in absolute terms for a four-year degree. Against a $40,800 median earnings outcome and a 9.2-year payback, the net cost is defensible for students who complete. The critical caveat is the 24.9% completion rate: three-quarters of students who start here do not finish, incurring debt without a degree. Low-income students considering this campus must be realistic about their completion plan.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
The 48001-75000 bracket pays $11,171 and the 75001-110000 bracket pays $13,775. Net prices remain low relative to most four-year institutions. For middle-income families with a student who has a clear program path and strong likelihood of completion, the cost is reasonable. The earnings upside -- particularly in nursing and engineering technologies -- justifies the cost if the student completes.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
The 110001-plus bracket pays $14,425 per year. At a total four-year net price around $57,700, this is low-cost even for full-pay families. The financial question for high-income students here is whether a regional commuter campus serves their academic and professional goals better than other options at similar or somewhat higher prices.
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Miami University-Hamilton with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | $77,451 | B |
| Entrepreneurship | $67,193 | C+ |
| Engineering Technologies/Technicians, General | $89,862 | B |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | $51,919 | D |
| English Language and Literature | $46,269 | D |
| Psychology | $58,255 | C |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $94,001 | B |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $57,868 | C |
| Communication and Media Studies | $55,919 | C |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $79,710 | C+ |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Registered Nursing
Registered Nursing is the highest-earning program (86 graduates) with $71,404 year-one earnings and $77,451 at year four, earning a B ROI grade (debt-to-earnings 0.378, median debt $27,000). Nursing is the clearest ROI story at this campus -- graduates enter a structured licensing pathway and command competitive wages in the Cincinnati-Hamilton labor market. The debt figure is on the higher end relative to state and community college nursing programs, but the earnings make it serviceable.
Engineering Technologies/Technicians, General
Engineering Technologies (42 graduates) earns $69,483 year one and $89,862 at year four, with a B grade (debt-to-earnings 0.379, median debt $26,325). This is the second-strongest program by earnings and a practical technical path that connects directly to manufacturing and industrial employment in southwest Ohio. The four-year jump to $89k reflects genuine career progression in technical management and advanced engineering roles.
Computer and Information Sciences
Computer and Information Sciences (18 graduates) earns $66,030 year one and $94,001 at year four, with a B grade (debt-to-earnings 0.401, median debt $26,495). The small graduate count limits precision but the earnings trajectory is strong. The four-year figure of $94k is competitive with regional tech employment. Students completing this program are positioned for software development and IT roles in the Ohio market.
Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship is the largest program by graduates (84) and earns a C+ grade: $47,731 year one, $67,193 at year four, with median debt of $23,350 and a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.489. Year-one earnings are moderate and the four-year trajectory is decent. The large graduate count relative to other programs here suggests this is a popular generalist business path. The outcomes are adequate but not strong enough to stand out against lower-cost alternatives.
Liberal Arts and Sciences
Liberal Arts and Sciences (36 graduates) earns a D grade: $40,556 year one, $51,919 at year four, with median debt of $31,000 and a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.764. This is the highest debt-to-earnings ratio among programs with substantial graduate counts at this campus. Students pursuing a general liberal arts credential here carry debt that significantly exceeds what near-term earnings support. The four-year figure of $51,919 is modest and the high debt makes this a financially risky choice.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 73.4% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 77.4% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 60.0% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 69.3% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Enrollment | 2,043 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 30.4% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $8,267 |
Scorecard does not report admission rate or test score data for this campus. Miami University-Hamilton appears to operate with open or near-open admissions consistent with regional campus models. Students are not competing for spots but should investigate support services and completion rates before enrolling.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
Scorecard peers include University of Akron Wayne College, Pennsylvania State-Berks, Governors State University, and Minot State University -- all regional public institutions serving commuter populations. Miami University-Hamilton's 24.9% completion rate is below most peers in this cohort, though earnings for completers are competitive. The parent Miami University brand provides some credential value that pure community colleges cannot match. For students who can access the main Oxford campus, that option offers a substantially higher completion rate (around 85%) and stronger long-run earnings.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami University-Hamilton (this school) | 62 | $11,286 | $55,076 |
| Governors State University | 63 | $12,329 | $58,169 |
| Minot State University | 63 | $12,703 | $51,759 |
| Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks | 58 | $24,356 | $63,435 |
| University of Akron Wayne College | 48 | $6,032 | $46,600 |
| University of Akron Main Campus | 38 | $13,946 | $46,600 |
Who Thrives Here
Scorecard does not report admission rate or test score ranges for Miami University-Hamilton. The campus serves primarily regional Ohio students, many working part-time or full-time while enrolled. Enrollment of 2,043 is small. Pell grant rate of 30.4% is moderate, suggesting a mix of low- and middle-income students. The 24.9% completion rate is the single most important factor for prospective students to understand -- this campus structure is associated with high stop-out rates. Students who can attend Miami University's main Oxford campus or transfer there should weigh that option carefully. The Hamilton campus is best suited to students who need a local, flexible, affordable starting point and understand the completion risk.
The Verdict: A Reasonable Bet - With Caveats
Miami University-Hamilton offers fair financial value, though the ROI depends heavily on individual circumstances. The net cost of $11,286 per year leads to $45,144 over four years, while graduates earn a median of $55,076 a decade out. The payback period of 9.2 years is about average - not bad, but not a standout either.
Key strengths include strong earnings premium over high school graduates. However, the data also shows a 24.9% graduation rate.
Median debt of $23,000 against $55,076 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
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Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.