Cincinnati, OH · Private University
Is University of Cincinnati-Main Campus Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$54,810
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$13,570
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$30,582
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$122,328
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.79x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
6.2 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
71.5%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$21,250
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$23,156
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus graduates earn $9,810 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at University of Cincinnati-Main Campus ranked by graduate earnings
75 graduates
99 graduates
58 graduates
131 graduates
196 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings — your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At University of Cincinnati-Main Campus, the gap between the highest-earning major (Biomedical/Medical Engineering: $85,695) and the lowest (Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft: $22,906) is $62,789/yr — bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Biomedical/Medical EngineeringBest ROI | $85,695 | 2.8x |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering | $85,592 | 2.8x |
| Computer Engineering(1yr data) | $83,489 | 2.7x |
| Chemical Engineering | $82,349 | 2.7x |
| Mechanical Engineering | $81,244 | 2.7x |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering | $80,934 | 2.6x |
| Civil Engineering | $80,489 | 2.6x |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $78,120 | 2.5x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $77,827 | 2.5x |
| Information Science/Studies | $74,729 | 2.4x |
| Architectural Engineering(1yr data) | $72,691 | 2.4x |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions | $71,867 | 2.4x |
| Construction Engineering(1yr data) | $71,751 | 2.4x |
| Economics | $70,663 | 2.3x |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions | $68,871 | 2.3x |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $68,220 | 2.2x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $65,403 | 2.1x |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $64,699 | 2.1x |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $63,419 | 2.1x |
| Engineering-Related Fields(1yr data) | $62,458 | 2.0x |
| Chemistry | $62,319 | 2.0x |
| Design and Applied Arts | $56,482 | 1.9x |
| Marketing | $56,133 | 1.8x |
| Architecture | $55,279 | 1.8x |
| Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other | $54,955 | 1.8x |
| Political Science and Government | $54,415 | 1.8x |
| Legal Support Services | $54,323 | 1.8x |
| International Business(1yr data) | $51,599 | 1.7x |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $51,456 | 1.7x |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication | $50,809 | 1.7x |
| Biology, General | $50,674 | 1.7x |
| Human Resources Management and Services | $50,450 | 1.6x |
| Neurobiology and Neurosciences | $50,218 | 1.6x |
| Mathematics(1yr data) | $48,914 | 1.6x |
| Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services(1yr data) | $48,483 | 1.6x |
| Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology(1yr data) | $48,348 | 1.6x |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services | $48,237 | 1.6x |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $47,472 | 1.6x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $46,535 | 1.5x |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions(1yr data) | $46,270 | 1.5x |
| City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning(1yr data) | $46,122 | 1.5x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $44,570 | 1.5x |
| Sociology(1yr data) | $42,507 | 1.4x |
| Special Education and Teaching(1yr data) | $42,347 | 1.4x |
| Social Work | $41,234 | 1.4x |
| Psychology, General | $39,689 | 1.3x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $37,959 | 1.2x |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $37,337 | 1.2x |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | $36,997 | 1.2x |
| Journalism(1yr data) | $34,829 | 1.1x |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities(1yr data) | $33,745 | 1.1x |
| Public Health(1yr data) | $32,685 | 1.1x |
| International Relations and National Security Studies(1yr data) | $32,543 | 1.1x |
| Music | $32,173 | 1.1x |
| History(1yr data) | $31,217 | 1.0x |
| English Language and Literature, General(1yr data) | $30,946 | 1.0x |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics(1yr data) | $30,504 | 1.0x |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $28,618 | 0.9x |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and StagecraftLowest | $22,906 | 0.8x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus offers solid financial returns relative to its cost. Graduates earn $54,810 10 years after starting — $9,810 above the national median of $45,000. Graduates typically break even on their investment within 6.2 years, a reasonable timeline.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.