Ohio University vs University of Cincinnati: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Ohio University and University of Cincinnati, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Ohio University vs University of Cincinnati at a glance
Ohio University admits 85% of applicants and University of Cincinnati 85.3% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $20,666 at Ohio University and $24,917 at University of Cincinnati. Six-year graduation rates are 65.1% and 75%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Ohio University admits 85% of applicants and University of Cincinnati 85.3%, so both are about equally selective.
- The average net price after grants is $20,666 a year at Ohio University and $24,917 at University of Cincinnati; Ohio University costs $4,251 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $15,142 at Ohio University and $16,848 at University of Cincinnati.
- 65.1% of students graduate within six years at Ohio University, against 75% at University of Cincinnati.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $61,938 for Ohio University and $60,832 for University of Cincinnati; Ohio University is $1,106 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $20,475 at Ohio University and $20,500 at University of Cincinnati.
- Ohio University enrolls 19,633 students (distant town) and University of Cincinnati 29,882 (large city).
Side by side
Ohio University and University of Cincinnati in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | Ohio University | University of Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 85% | 85.3% |
| Applicants | 21,733 | 25,775 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1090–1290 | 1160–1370 |
| ACT middle 50% | 22–28 | 24–29 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $20,666 | $24,917 |
| Tuition, in state | $14,582 | $14,394 |
| Tuition, out of state | $25,796 | $29,728 |
| Cost of attendance | $31,615 | $33,026 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $15,142 | $16,848 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $14,643 | $17,178 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $16,141 | $20,592 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $22,188 | $26,884 |
| Over $110,000 | $24,609 | $30,546 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 65.1% | 75% |
| First-year retention | 83.9% | 85.4% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $61,938 | $60,832 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $20,475 | $20,500 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $233 | $233 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 19,633 | 29,882 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | Town: Distant | City: Large |
| Location | Athens, OH | Cincinnati, OH |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
Ohio University reports 97 bachelor's programs and University of Cincinnati 96; 64 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Marketing
- Psychology, General
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Communication and Media Studies
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
Questions about Ohio University vs University of Cincinnati
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Ohio University or University of Cincinnati?
Ohio University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Ohio University admits 85% of applicants and University of Cincinnati admits 85.3%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Ohio University 1090–1290; University of Cincinnati 1160–1370.
Which is cheaper, Ohio University or University of Cincinnati?
Ohio University has the lower average net price after grants: $20,666 a year at Ohio University against $24,917 at University of Cincinnati. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $15,142 and $16,848. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Ohio University or University of Cincinnati graduates earn more?
Ohio University graduates earn more at the median: $61,938 ten years after entry for Ohio University and $60,832 for University of Cincinnati. Median federal debt at graduation is $20,475 and $20,500.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Ohio University or University of Cincinnati?
University of Cincinnati does: 65.1% of Ohio University students graduate within six years, against 75% at University of Cincinnati.
How big are Ohio University and University of Cincinnati?
Ohio University has 19,633 students in Athens, OH and University of Cincinnati has 29,882 students in Cincinnati, OH.