At $20,609/yr net price, University of Northwestern Ohio graduates earn $50,968/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $16,968/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $20,609 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $82,436 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $50,968/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$16,968/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 54.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $17,084 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,846/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,663/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,739/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,219/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,493/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $48,432 | $39,500 |
| Security Science and Technology. | Bachelor | $41,565 | |
| Agricultural Mechanization. | Associate | $40,056 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $39,581 | $19,584 |
| Agricultural Mechanization. | Certificate | $39,009 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $38,485 | $17,417 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Associate | $37,208 | $13,084 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $36,848 | $29,999 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $36,137 | $31,000 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Bachelor | $34,704 | $29,162 |
The Risk Factor
54.2% of students at University of Northwestern Ohio graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
University of Northwestern Ohio delivers modest financial returns that work better for some career paths than others. The $20,609 annual net price leads to median earnings of $50,968 after ten years, creating a reasonable but not strong payback timeline.
Your program choice matters significantly here. Business Administration graduates earn $48,432 annually but carry nearly $40,000 in debt, creating a problematic debt-to-income ratio. Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies offers better value with $39,581 earnings against just $19,584 in debt. Agricultural Mechanization and Security Science programs fall somewhere between these extremes.
The 54% graduation rate creates substantial completion risk. If you don't finish, you'll carry debt without the degree needed to access higher-paying positions. The 62% retention rate suggests many students struggle with the academic or financial demands early on.
This school works best if you're pursuing hands-on technical fields where UNOH has strong industry connections, particularly in automotive technology or agricultural equipment. The regional job market in northwestern Ohio supports these specializations. You should look elsewhere if you need a strong brand name or want access to high-paying professional careers that typically require stronger academic credentials.
Only 32% of students receive financial aid, suggesting limited need-based assistance. Merit scholarships may be available but aren't widely distributed. Your best cost strategy involves choosing one of the lower-debt programs and completing your degree quickly to minimize total borrowing.
Skip this school if you're uncertain about your career direction or considering high-debt programs like Business Administration. The financial math only works when you pick the right major and finish on time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Northwestern Ohio worth the cost?
With median earnings of $50,968 ten years after graduation and a net price of $20,609 per year, University of Northwestern Ohio offers modest returns compared to similar schools. The 54% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't finish their degrees.
What programs at University of Northwestern Ohio have the best ROI?
Business Administration leads with median earnings of $48,432, followed by Security Science and Technology at $41,565. Agricultural and vehicle repair programs earn less, with most graduates making under $40,000 annually.
How much debt do University of Northwestern Ohio students typically graduate with?
The median debt is $17,084, which is manageable compared to national averages. However, with starting salaries often under $45,000 in popular programs, loan payments may still strain budgets.
Does University of Northwestern Ohio provide good financial aid?
At $20,609 net price per year, students receive moderate aid given the school's published costs. The relatively low debt levels suggest aid packages help, but earnings potential remains limited in many programs.