At $23,156/yr net price, University of Cincinnati-Main Campus graduates earn $54,810/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $20,810/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $23,156 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $92,624 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $54,810/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$20,810/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 71.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $15,108/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $16,373/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,607/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,288/yr |
| $110,001+ | $26,573/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $119,805 | $90,200 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Certificate | $116,456 | $50,998 |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $115,262 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $94,013 | $54,666 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Master | $84,653 | |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering. | Master | $84,021 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $79,284 | $33,736 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $70,456 | $21,083 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $68,965 | $27,000 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $68,890 | $24,999 |
The Risk Factor
71.5% of students at University of Cincinnati-Main Campus graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 29% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
University of Cincinnati offers solid financial returns that vary dramatically by program choice. The school's co-op program helps graduates enter Cincinnati's growing healthcare and manufacturing job market with practical experience, boosting earning potential across most majors.
Nursing programs deliver strong returns despite higher debt loads, with graduates earning up to $119,805 annually. Engineering majors also perform well, with mechanical engineers averaging $84,653. However, many liberal arts and social science programs struggle to justify the $23,156 annual net price when graduates face limited high-paying opportunities in the regional market.
Your biggest financial risk is choosing a lower-earning major without leveraging the co-op program. Cincinnati's job market rewards technical skills and healthcare expertise but offers fewer premium opportunities for generalist degrees. The 71% graduation rate means nearly three in ten students leave without a degree while carrying debt.
UC makes financial sense if you pursue nursing, engineering, pharmacy, or business and participate in co-op experiences. The relatively low median debt of $21,250 helps most graduates manage payments on typical starting salaries. Students planning careers in education, arts, or social services should carefully consider whether the investment aligns with regional salary expectations.
Only 18% of students receive need-based aid, suggesting limited financial support for middle-income families. Merit scholarships exist but competition is intense. Your best cost strategy involves choosing a high-return major, completing co-ops, and graduating on time to minimize total costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Cincinnati-Main Campus worth the cost?
University of Cincinnati offers decent value with a net price of $23,156 and median earnings of $54,810 after 10 years. The school's strong nursing and pharmacy programs significantly boost ROI, while other majors may struggle to justify the cost.
What programs at University of Cincinnati-Main Campus have the best ROI?
Nursing programs lead with graduates earning $94,000-$119,000, followed by pharmacy ($115,262) and mechanical engineering ($84,653). These healthcare and engineering tracks make the investment worthwhile compared to other majors at UC.
How much debt do University of Cincinnati-Main Campus graduates typically have?
UC graduates leave with a median debt of $21,250, which is manageable for high-earning programs like nursing and pharmacy. Students in lower-paying majors may find this debt burden challenging given the school's average 10-year earnings.
Does University of Cincinnati-Main Campus have good job placement rates?
With a 71.5% graduation rate and strong regional connections in healthcare, UC provides solid opportunities in Cincinnati's job market. The nursing and pharmacy programs particularly benefit from high local demand and established clinical partnerships.