At $13,346/yr net price, Miami University-Hamilton graduates earn $55,076/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $21,076/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,346 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $53,384 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $55,076/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$21,076/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 21.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,211/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,612/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,467/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,436/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,997/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Technology, General. | Bachelor | $66,821 | $18,750 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $59,576 | $25,000 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $56,716 | $24,807 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $40,089 | $19,750 |
| Data Processing. | Associate | $39,369 | $20,062 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $34,793 | $28,489 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $33,281 | $19,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $32,925 | |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $31,466 | $27,000 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $30,926 | $23,250 |
The Risk Factor
21.6% of students at Miami University-Hamilton graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Miami University-Hamilton delivers poor financial returns that make it a risky investment for most students. With only 21% of students graduating and median earnings of $55,076 ten years after enrollment, the numbers reveal a school where most students leave without a degree and those who do graduate earn modest salaries.
Engineering Technology offers the strongest return at $66,821 with relatively low debt of $18,750, making it the clear winner among programs. Computer Science and Nursing also provide decent outcomes with earnings near $60,000, though both carry higher debt loads around $25,000. Communication and Data Processing majors face concerning prospects with earnings below $41,000 while still carrying substantial debt.
The biggest financial risk here is the catastrophic graduation rate. Your chances of completing a degree are roughly one in five, meaning you could easily end up with debt but no credential. The 53% retention rate shows students abandon their studies quickly, likely recognizing the poor value proposition.
This school works financially only if you plan to study Engineering Technology and are confident you can beat the odds on graduation. The low net price of $13,346 makes it affordable, but affordability means nothing if you don't graduate. Students should seriously consider starting at a community college or choosing a four-year school with better completion rates.
Financial aid reaches just 30% of students, limiting assistance for those who need it most. Without strong institutional support or merit scholarships to offset the risks, Miami University-Hamilton represents a gamble where the house usually wins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Miami University-Hamilton worth the cost?
With a net price of $13,346 and median earnings of $55,076 after 10 years, Miami University-Hamilton offers decent value for the money. However, the 21.6% graduation rate is concerning and significantly impacts the return on investment for many students.
What are the best paying programs at Miami University-Hamilton?
Engineering Technology leads with $66,821 median earnings, followed by Computer Science at $59,576 and Nursing at $56,716. Communication and Data Processing programs pay significantly less at around $40,000.
How much debt do Miami University-Hamilton students graduate with?
The median debt load is $23,000, which is manageable given the relatively low tuition costs. Students in higher-paying programs like engineering can expect to pay off loans relatively quickly.
What is the biggest risk of attending Miami University-Hamilton?
The 21.6% graduation rate means nearly 8 out of 10 students don't finish their degree. Students who don't graduate still carry debt but miss out on the earnings boost that comes with a completed degree.