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 gives you a low sticker price but a shaky finish line. Net price sits well below what most four-year schools charge, and median debt of $23,000 is manageable against $55,076 in median earnings a decade out. The problem is getting to graduation: only about 1 in 5 students finishes, and barely half return after their first year. If you leave with debt and no degree, the math breaks fast.
Your major decides everything here. Engineering Technology pays $66,821 with the lowest debt of any listed program, which is the clearest win on campus. Computer and Information Sciences and Nursing both clear $56,000 and line up with steady demand in the Cincinnati-Dayton region. On the other end, Liberal Arts and General Studies pays under $35,000 while carrying the highest debt load of any program at $28,489. That combination is a losing trade. Communication lands in the middle at $40,089, respectable but not enough to justify borrowing heavily.
The pricing works in your favor if your family earns under $48,000, where net price stays near $10,000. Above $110,000, you pay closer to $16,000, and the value case depends entirely on picking a technical or nursing track. The tiers barely change between the middle brackets, so a family at $75,000 pays almost as much as one at $110,000.
This school fits you if you know you want Engineering Technology, Computer Science, or Nursing and you plan to finish. It works especially well if you qualify for the lower-income pricing tiers. Look elsewhere if you are undecided or leaning toward a general studies path, because the retention and graduation numbers make expensive, unfocused enrollment the biggest financial risk here.
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.