About University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
The University of Cincinnati pioneered cooperative education in America, where students alternate classroom learning with real-world work experience. This major research university enrolls 29,094 students in Ohio's largest city and has produced remarkable graduates including President William Howard Taft and astronaut Neil Armstrong. The engineering, business, and medical programs draw students who want hands-on experience before graduation. With an 86% acceptance rate and average SAT scores of 1260, UC welcomes motivated students ready to work.
Students pay an average net price of $23,156 after financial aid, though only 17.6% receive federal Pell grants. Graduates earn a median salary of $54,810 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $21,250 manageable with monthly payments around $225. In-state students pay $13,570 in tuition while out-of-state students face $30,582. The investment pays off with a 96.6% employment rate after graduation.
The Bearcats compete in the Big 12 Conference across 14 varsity sports with 453 total athletes. Students maintain an 85.7% retention rate and 71.5% graduate within six years. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio means larger classes but also research opportunities at this major public university.
Students pay an average net price of $23,156 after financial aid, though only 17.6% receive federal Pell grants. Graduates earn a median salary of $54,810 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $21,250 manageable with monthly payments around $225. In-state students pay $13,570 in tuition while out-of-state students face $30,582. The investment pays off with a 96.6% employment rate after graduation.
The Bearcats compete in the Big 12 Conference across 14 varsity sports with 453 total athletes. Students maintain an 85.7% retention rate and 71.5% graduate within six years. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio means larger classes but also research opportunities at this major public university.
Academics & Faculty
Cincinnati pioneered cooperative education in 1906, requiring students in many programs to alternate between classroom learning and paid work experience. The university operates as a major research institution with particular strength in engineering, business, medicine, and design. Students work with faculty at a 19:1 ratio, though class sizes vary across the large campus. The 71.5% six-year graduation rate reflects the extended timeline many students follow due to co-op rotations. Engineering students especially benefit from hands-on learning through partnerships with local corporations like Procter & Gamble and General Electric. The medical school ranks among Ohio's top programs. Architecture and planning students gain real-world experience through Cincinnati's urban setting and the university's design focus.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 19:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 58.2%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 71.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 71.5%
- Retention Rate
- 85.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $54,810
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R1)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $119,805 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Certificate | $116,456 |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $115,262 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $94,013 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Master | $84,653 |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering. | Master | $84,021 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $79,284 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $70,456 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $68,965 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $68,890 |
Campus Life
Cincinnati sits right in the heart of a major city, giving students immediate access to internships, cultural events, and nightlife. The campus houses 8,342 students in residence halls, though with 29,094 total enrollment, most upperclassmen live in nearby neighborhoods like Clifton and Corrydale. Ohio winters demand a good coat and boots for trudging between classes, while humid summers call for lightweight clothing and plenty of water.
The co-op program defines much of campus life here. Students alternate between semesters of classes and full-time work experience, meaning the student body constantly shifts as different groups head out to their professional placements. This creates a unique rhythm where you'll reconnect with classmates after they return from working at companies like GE or Procter & Gamble. Weekend activities center around Bearcats athletics, especially basketball games at Fifth Third Arena. The rivalry with crosstown Xavier runs deep, splitting the city during Crosstown Shootout games. Students frequent the restaurants and bars along Short Vine or explore Cincinnati's growing Over-the-Rhine district for concerts and festivals.
The co-op program defines much of campus life here. Students alternate between semesters of classes and full-time work experience, meaning the student body constantly shifts as different groups head out to their professional placements. This creates a unique rhythm where you'll reconnect with classmates after they return from working at companies like GE or Procter & Gamble. Weekend activities center around Bearcats athletics, especially basketball games at Fifth Third Arena. The rivalry with crosstown Xavier runs deep, splitting the city during Crosstown Shootout games. Students frequent the restaurants and bars along Short Vine or explore Cincinnati's growing Over-the-Rhine district for concerts and festivals.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 8,342 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
279 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 44 | 6 | 8 | 16 |
| Rape | 29 | 20 | 10 | 4 |
| Burglary | 25 | 8 | 1 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 14 | 9 | 3 | 8 |
| Stalking | 14 | 12 | 1 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 12 | 4 | 1 | 4 |
| Domestic Violence | 5 | 0 | 6 | 2 |
| Fondling | 6 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| Robbery | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 23°–40°F
- July Avg
- 65°–86°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 43.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- 16.0"
Student Demographics
Nearly 80% of students come from Ohio, reflecting Cincinnati's deep roots in the region and its reputation as the state's urban research powerhouse. The student body of 29,094 splits almost evenly between men and women, typical for a full university offering everything from engineering to liberal arts. About one in six students receives Pell Grants, showing the university serves middle-class families seeking affordable excellence. Students are drawn to Cincinnati's famous co-op program, which has built strong ties with local employers and gives the campus a practical, career-focused energy.
- Men
- 49.7%
- Women
- 50.3%
- White
- 70.6%
- Black
- 8.4%
- Hispanic
- 4.6%
- Asian
- 5.5%
- In-State Students
- 78.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 17.6%
Location
University of Cincinnati sits in Ohio's third-largest city, home to 309,000 residents in the metro area. The campus spreads across an urban setting just two miles from downtown Cincinnati. Students live in a major Midwestern city known for its Fortune 500 companies, professional sports teams, and riverfront along the Ohio River. The 137-acre main campus blends historic and modern architecture in the Clifton neighborhood. Cincinnati offers internships at Procter & Gamble, Kroger, and other major employers headquartered downtown. The city's German heritage shows in neighborhoods like Over-the-Rhine, while the riverfront provides recreation along the Ohio River. Students considering colleges in Ohio may also compare University of Cincinnati with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Cincinnati, Ohio 45221-0063
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $54,810
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $63,845
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $39,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 57.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $225/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,250
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of Cincinnati-Main Campus?
The acceptance rate is 86.22%, making UC moderately selective. With an average SAT of 1260 and ACT of 27, admitted students typically have solid academic records but don't need perfect scores.
How much does University of Cincinnati-Main Campus cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $23,156, though costs vary by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $15,108 on average, while those from higher-income families pay closer to the full amount.
What is University of Cincinnati-Main Campus known for academically?
UC is famous for its cooperative education program, one of the oldest and largest in the nation. The university has a 19:1 student-faculty ratio and is particularly strong in engineering, business, and medical programs that prepare students for real-world careers.
What are the job outcomes for University of Cincinnati-Main Campus graduates?
Graduates have a 96.6% employment rate and earn a median of $54,810 ten years after graduation. The strong co-op program gives students practical experience, helping them secure jobs quickly after completing their degrees.
Where is University of Cincinnati-Main Campus located and what's campus life like?
The campus sits in Cincinnati, Ohio, a large city setting with 29,094 students. With housing for 8,342 students and 14 varsity sports teams competing as the Bearcats in the Big 12 Conference, campus life offers both urban opportunities and traditional college experiences.
Does University of Cincinnati-Main Campus have famous alumni?
UC has produced remarkable graduates including President William Howard Taft and astronaut Neil Armstrong, the first person to walk on the moon. The university also claims NBA legend Oscar Robertson and MLB Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax among its notable alumni.
