At $13,824/yr net price, Miami University-Middletown 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) | $13,824 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $55,296 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $55,076/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$21,076/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 24.5% |
| 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 | $9,949/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,514/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,874/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,364/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,465/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
24.5% of students at Miami University-Middletown 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-Middletown presents a mixed financial picture with serious completion risks that overshadow otherwise reasonable costs. The $13,824 annual net price makes this one of Ohio's more affordable four-year options, but the 24.5% graduation rate means three out of four students leave without a degree.
Engineering Technology graduates earn $66,821 annually with just $18,750 in debt, making this program the clear financial winner. Computer Science and Nursing also deliver solid returns, with graduates earning around $57,000-$60,000. However, Communication and Media Studies majors face a stark reality with $40,089 median earnings against nearly $20,000 in debt.
The school's biggest financial risk lies in its retention problems. With only 62% of students returning for their second year, you face real odds of accumulating debt without earning a degree. The low completion rate suggests academic support systems may be insufficient for many students.
This campus works financially if you're academically prepared, targeting Engineering Technology or Computer Science, and committed to finishing your degree. The affordable tuition and strong technical program outcomes create genuine value for motivated students.
You should look elsewhere if you need extensive academic support, plan to study liberal arts fields, or prefer a traditional four-year college experience. The combination of low graduation rates and weak earnings in non-technical fields creates significant financial downside risk.
With only 23% of students receiving financial aid, merit opportunities appear limited. Your best cost strategy involves choosing a high-earning major and maintaining the academic momentum necessary to actually graduate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Miami University-Middletown worth the cost compared to other colleges?
Miami University-Middletown offers decent value with a net price of $13,824 and median earnings of $55,076 after 10 years. However, the 24.5% graduation rate is concerning and means many students leave without completing their degree.
What are the best paying programs at Miami University-Middletown?
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 show significantly lower returns at around $40,000.
How much debt do Miami University-Middletown graduates typically have?
Graduates carry a median debt of $23,000, which is manageable given the school's low net price. The bigger risk is not graduating at all, which affects three out of four students who enroll.
Should I attend Miami University-Middletown or transfer to a four-year school?
The low graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete programs here. If you're certain about your major and committed to finishing, the technical programs offer solid returns, but consider four-year options if you need more academic support.