University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
Cincinnati, Ohio · Public · 85.3% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 55/100 · Below Average Value
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
Below Average ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $13,976/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $29,310/yr |
| Average net price | $25,648/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $102,592 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $54,810 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $39,600 |
| Median debt at graduation | $21,250 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $225 |
| Estimated payback period | 12.2 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 75.0% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 29,882 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
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 | $17,974 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,092 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,492 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $27,596 |
| $110,001+ | $29,616 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at University of Cincinnati-Main Campus with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Marketing | $72,881 | C+ |
| Registered Nursing | $85,551 | B |
| Finance and Financial Management | $83,501 | B |
| Psychology | $48,406 | D |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $100,975 | B+ |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $60,441 | C |
| Mechanical Engineering | $86,331 | B |
| Biology | $57,443 | D |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $75,398 | B |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $54,231 | C |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at University of Cincinnati-Main Campus is $13,976/year ($29,310/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 $25,648/year, or roughly $102,592 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $17,974/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $29,616/year.
The median graduate leaves with $21,250 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $225 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $54,810 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.54 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 68.7% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 75.2% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 61.7% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 67.6% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 85.3% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 590-700 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 570-670 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 24-29 |
| Enrollment | 29,882 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 18.8% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $11,468 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Cincinnati-Main Campus (this school) | 55 | $25,648 | $54,810 |
| The University of Texas at San Antonio | 68 | $10,836 | $57,131 |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | 55 | $23,433 | $58,128 |
| Georgia Southern University | 52 | $15,267 | $53,236 |
| University of Akron Wayne College | 48 | $6,032 | $46,600 |
| University of Akron Main Campus | 38 | $13,946 | $46,600 |
The Verdict: Proceed With Caution
The financial case for University of Cincinnati-Main Campus is mixed. At $25,648 per year net cost, graduates earn a median of $54,810 ten years after entry - a payback period of 12.2 years. That's below the average return for four-year institutions, and prospective students should carefully consider whether the investment aligns with their financial goals.
Key strengths include a 75.0% graduation rate. However, the data also shows weak earnings relative to cost.
Median debt of $21,250 against $54,810 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
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.