The University of Cincinnati and Ohio University offer similar admission accessibility, with acceptance rates of 86.22% and 86.52% respectively. However, they differ significantly in cost structure and outcomes.
Cost and Value
Ohio University provides better financial value with lower out-of-state tuition ($24,114 vs $30,582) and a reduced average net price ($20,413 vs $23,156). In-state costs remain comparable, with UC at $13,570 and OU at $13,746. Both schools result in similar debt loads around $21,000.
Academic Environment
Ohio University offers a slightly better student-faculty ratio at 18:1 compared to UC's 19:1. UC demonstrates stronger academic outcomes with a 71.50% six-year graduation rate versus OU's 66.40%, and higher first-year retention (85.74% vs 82.47%).
Campus Experience
UC's larger enrollment of 29,094 students creates a more metropolitan environment in Cincinnati, while OU's 18,456 students foster a traditional college town atmosphere in Athens. Both institutions compete in NCAA Division I athletics.
Career Outcomes
UC graduates earn slightly more ten years post-graduation, with median earnings of $54,810 compared to OU's $52,581, representing a $2,229 annual difference.
Academic Strengths
UC is particularly strong in engineering, business, and design programs, benefiting from its urban location and co-op opportunities. OU excels in journalism, communications, and liberal arts within its classic collegiate setting.
Students seeking urban experiences, higher graduation rates, and slightly better earning potential should consider UC, while those preferring smaller class sizes, lower costs, and traditional college town life may favor OU.
Cost and Value
Ohio University provides better financial value with lower out-of-state tuition ($24,114 vs $30,582) and a reduced average net price ($20,413 vs $23,156). In-state costs remain comparable, with UC at $13,570 and OU at $13,746. Both schools result in similar debt loads around $21,000.
Academic Environment
Ohio University offers a slightly better student-faculty ratio at 18:1 compared to UC's 19:1. UC demonstrates stronger academic outcomes with a 71.50% six-year graduation rate versus OU's 66.40%, and higher first-year retention (85.74% vs 82.47%).
Campus Experience
UC's larger enrollment of 29,094 students creates a more metropolitan environment in Cincinnati, while OU's 18,456 students foster a traditional college town atmosphere in Athens. Both institutions compete in NCAA Division I athletics.
Career Outcomes
UC graduates earn slightly more ten years post-graduation, with median earnings of $54,810 compared to OU's $52,581, representing a $2,229 annual difference.
Academic Strengths
UC is particularly strong in engineering, business, and design programs, benefiting from its urban location and co-op opportunities. OU excels in journalism, communications, and liberal arts within its classic collegiate setting.
Students seeking urban experiences, higher graduation rates, and slightly better earning potential should consider UC, while those preferring smaller class sizes, lower costs, and traditional college town life may favor OU.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| University of Cincinnati-Main Campus | Ohio University-Main Campus | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 86.2% | 86.5% |
| SAT Average | 1,260 | 1,175 |
| Enrollment | 29,094 | 18,456 |
| In-State Tuition | $13,570 | $13,746 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $30,582 | $24,114 |
| Net Price | $23,156 | $20,413 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 71.5% | 66.4% |
| Retention Rate | 85.7% | 82.5% |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $54,810 | $52,581 |
| Median Debt | $21,250 | $21,056 |
Top Programs by Earnings
Top 5 bachelor's programs at each school, ranked by median graduate earnings.
| University of Cincinnati-Main Campus | Ohio University-Main Campus | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Program | Earnings | Program | Earnings |
| Chemical Engineering. | $70,456 | Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | $68,219 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | $68,965 | Computer Science. | $67,202 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | $68,890 | Mechanical Engineering. | $62,775 |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering. | $64,990 | Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $62,463 |
| Engineering, General. | $64,493 | Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | $61,728 |