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University of Cincinnati-Main Campus

Cincinnati, OH | Public | University

University of Cincinnati-Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 85.3%, annual tuition of $13,976, average net price of $25,648, and a national rank of #581 (Grade B+), with a 75.0% graduation rate within 150% of normal time, about 29,882 undergraduates, and median earnings of $72,188 four years after graduation. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.

University of Cincinnati-Main Campus is a public university in Cincinnati, OH. Students most often pursue Engineering and Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering.

Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, and 85.4% first-year retention. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.

EDsmart calculates return on investment at 57.7%, roughly 7.8 points higher than typical outcomes. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.

B+
Ranking
#581 of 1,947
How We Rank Schools Higher pay after collegePublic school optionLarge campus life
At a Glance
Ranking
#581 of 1,947 (Top 29.8%)
Tuition
$13,976
Net Price
$25,648
4-Year Tuition
$55,904
Acceptance Rate
85.3%
Transfer Rate
0.0%
Student Population
29,882
Student-Faculty
19:1
Grad Rate (150% time)
75.0%
Grad Rate (8-year)
72.9%
Retention Rate
85.4%
4-Yr Earnings
$72,188
ROI
57.7%

Who is University of Cincinnati-Main Campus Best For?

A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.

Students aiming for strong salaries
Explorers drawn to vibrant campus scale
Students seeking strong career outcomes

EDsmart Scores Summary

Overall Ranking
#581 of 1,947
Top 29.8% of all institutions
EDsmart Score
70.2 / 100 (national index)
Curved score (top institution = 100.0)
Value Rating
3.51 / 5
Based on ROI and outcomes
Completion
A-
#282 of 1,947
Affordability
C
#1,621 of 1,947
Support
B-
#1,046 of 1,947
Career Outcomes
B+
#309 of 1,947

University of Cincinnati-Main Campus graduates 75.0% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 72.9% and keeps 85.4% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C compared with similar schools.

How we calculate this →

Cost & Financial Aid

Quick Answers

What does it cost?
Depends on income
$17,974-$29,616 annual net price based on family income.
What's the graduation rate?
Likely
75.0% graduate within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings). The College Scorecard 8-year award rate is 72.9%. 42.2% complete in four years (IPEDS 100% time).
What are job outcomes?
Highly likely
89.8% of alumni are employed within three years of leaving. Median earnings four years after graduation are $72,188. Pay varies by major.
Get Your Personalized Cost Estimate

The costs shown are averages. Use University of Cincinnati-Main Campus's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.

Calculate Your Net Price →

Total Degree Cost Summary

4-Year Total Cost (Pay with Cash)
$128,684
$32,171 × 4 years
Average Total Cost (Pay with Financial Aid)
$125,024
$25,648 × 4.9 years average
Time to Degree
Average: 4.9 years | 4-Year Rate: 42.2% | 6-Year Rate: 75.0% | 8-Year Rate: 72.9%
Most students finish in about four to five years. Four-year completion is 42.2% and six-year completion is 75.0%.

Annual Cost Comparison

Pay with Cash
$32,171
Total annual cost including tuition, books and living expenses; excluding any financial aid, grants or scholarships.
Pay with Financial Aid
$25,648
Average annual cost including tuition, books and living expenses after financial aid, grants or scholarships.

Cost of Undergraduate Attendance

Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.

View cost of attendance line items
Costs to Consider Price
Tuition and Fees $13,976
Books and Supplies $1,300
On-Campus Room and Board $13,564
On-Campus Other Expenses $6,924
Total On-Campus Cost $32,171

Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.

Students Receiving Aid

Pell Grant
18.8%
Federal Loan
0.0%

Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.

EDsmart Insight: About 18.8% of University of Cincinnati-Main Campus students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.

Net Price by Family Income

Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.

$0 - $30,000
$17,974
Average annual cost for families earning $0-$30K
$30,001 - $48,000
$18,092
Average annual cost for families earning $30K-$48K
$48,001 - $75,000
$22,492
Average annual cost for families earning $48K-$75K
$75,001 - $110,000
$27,596
Average annual cost for families earning $75K-$110K
$110,001+
$29,616
Average annual cost for families earning $110K+

Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $17,974 to $29,616 depending on family income. Use University of Cincinnati-Main Campus's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.

4-Year Total Cost Estimates:
$0-$30K families
~$80,883
$30K-$48K families
~$81,414
$48K-$75K families
~$101,214
$75K-$110K families
~$124,182
AFFORDABILITY ALERT

If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $27,596/year

If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $29,616/year

See all income brackets →

ROI & Career Outcomes

Return on Investment
57.7%
Based on 6-year median earnings vs. total degree cost
  • Median Earnings (4 Years After Graduation) $72,188
  • 10-Year Median Earnings $54,810
  • Average Years to Graduate 4.9 years
  • Average Student Debt $21,250
  • Repayment Rate (3yr) 57.1%
  • Employment Rate 89.8%

Graduate Earnings Distribution

Earnings range for University of Cincinnati-Main Campus graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.

Graduates earn a median of $72,188 four years after graduation — roughly 20% above the national median.
Payback Period
1.73 years
Total Degree Cost ÷ Annual Earnings

University of Cincinnati-Main Campus vs. National Average

Comparison of key performance metrics showing how University of Cincinnati-Main Campus's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes University of Cincinnati-Main Campus's performance within the broader higher education landscape.

EDsmart Insight: University of Cincinnati-Main Campus graduates earn $72,188 median four years after graduation, +20% above the national average. Earnings vary significantly by major—research your field's outcomes.

Acceptance & Selectivity

Getting In

Acceptance Rate
85.3%
Lightly Selective
National Average
69%
Average acceptance rate
  • SAT Evidence-Based Reading 570-670
  • SAT Math 590-700
  • SAT Writing Not reported
  • ACT Composite 24-29
  • SAT & ACT Required
  • Undergraduate Enrollment 29,882
  • Full-Time Students 90.3%
  • Part-Time Students 9.7%
  • Retention Rate 85.4%
  • Grad Rate (150% time) 75.0%
  • Grad Rate (8-year) 72.9%
  • Student-Faculty Ratio 19:1

How to Get Into University of Cincinnati-Main Campus

1. Meet Academic Requirements: University of Cincinnati-Main Campus requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.

2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.

3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 85.3%, University of Cincinnati-Main Campus is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.

4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.

Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.

EDsmart Insight: With a 85.3% acceptance rate, University of Cincinnati-Main Campus is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1160 and 1370 on the SAT.

Academic Programs

Undergraduate Program Distribution

Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among University of Cincinnati-Main Campus undergraduates. Marketing, Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, and Psychology, General draw the most students.

  • Marketing 7.1%
  • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 6.8%
  • Psychology, General 4.1%
  • Mechanical Engineering 3.9%
  • Finance and Financial Management Services 3.9%
  • Biology, General 3.6%
See more majors
  • Criminal Justice and Corrections 3.4%
  • Design and Applied Arts 3.4%

Highest Earning Programs

Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.

Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)

  • 1. Engineering, General $100,209
  • 2. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $94,336
  • 3. Chemical Engineering $92,906
Show additional high-earning majors
  • 4. Computer and Information Sciences, General $91,341
  • 5. Mechanical Engineering $90,998
  • 6. Information Science/Studies $88,568
  • 7. Civil Engineering $88,041
  • 8. Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering $86,633
  • 9. Biomedical/Medical Engineering $85,432
  • 10. Business Administration, Management and Operations $83,673

Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)

  • 1. Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies (Post-Baccalaureate Certificate) $223,926
  • 2. Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies (Master's Degree) $201,510
  • 3. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degree) $174,326
Show additional graduate majors
  • 4. Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (Doctoral Degree) $134,149
  • 5. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Post-Baccalaureate Certificate) $129,166
  • 6. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Graduate/Professional Certificate) $120,451
  • 7. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $115,383
  • 8. Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degree) $114,633
  • 9. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $107,833
  • 10. Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (Master's Degree) $105,853

Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Engineering, General grads earn $100,209—20% more than Business Administration, Management and Operations ($83,673). Graduate: Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies programs lead with $223,926 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.

Online Degrees & Distance Learning

College Scorecard reports fully online programs for University of Cincinnati-Main Campus. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard

Most Popular Online Degrees

  • Marketing (Bachelor's Degree, 434 graduates)
  • Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 249 graduates)
  • Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degree, 239 graduates)
  • Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degree, 238 graduates)
  • Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 221 graduates)

What This School Offers Online, at a Glance

College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.

Online Bachelor's Degrees (77 programs)▼
  • Marketing
  • Psychology, General
  • Finance and Financial Management Services
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Biology, General
  • Design and Applied Arts
  • Business Administration, Management and Operations
  • Accounting and Related Services
  • Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Neurobiology and Neurosciences
  • Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
  • Human Resources Management and Services
  • Architecture
  • Political Science and Government
  • Health and Physical Education/Fitness
  • International Business
  • Chemistry
  • Biomedical/Medical Engineering
  • Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
  • Fine and Studio Arts
  • Construction Engineering
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
  • Public Health
  • Natural Resources Conservation and Research
  • Economics
  • Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
  • Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
  • Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
  • Computer Engineering
  • Music
  • Civil Engineering
  • International Relations and National Security Studies
  • Mathematics
  • Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
  • Journalism
  • English Language and Literature, General
  • Architectural Engineering
  • History
  • Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
  • City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
  • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
  • Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
  • Real Estate
  • Anthropology
  • Sociology
  • Engineering-Related Fields
  • Philosophy
  • Legal Support Services
  • Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
  • Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
  • Dance
  • Physics
  • Insurance
  • Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Nutrition Sciences
  • Geography and Cartography
  • Archeology
  • Literature
  • Plant Sciences
  • Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • Urban Studies/Affairs
  • Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
  • Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • Film/Video and Photographic Arts
  • Area Studies
  • Research and Experimental Psychology
  • Nuclear Engineering
  • Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians
  • Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
  • Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
  • Computer Software and Media Applications
Online Master's Degrees (69 programs)▼
  • Music
  • Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
  • Social Work
  • Public Health
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Accounting and Related Services
  • Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
  • Marketing
  • Architectural Sciences and Technology
  • Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
  • Economics
  • Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies
  • Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
  • Communication and Media Studies
  • Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
  • Psychology, General
  • Computer Engineering
  • Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
  • Civil Engineering
  • Pharmacology and Toxicology
  • Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
  • Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education
  • Human Resources Management and Services
  • Sustainability Studies
  • Nutrition Sciences
  • Genetics
  • Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
  • Biology, General
  • Materials Engineering
  • Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
  • Design and Applied Arts
  • Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
  • Fine and Studio Arts
  • Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
  • Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering
  • History
  • Student Counseling and Personnel Services
  • Statistics
  • Physics
  • Mathematics
  • Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Sociology
  • Plant Sciences
  • Philosophy
  • Political Science and Government
  • Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
  • Geography and Cartography
  • Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
  • Chemistry
  • Biomedical/Medical Engineering
  • Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
  • Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
  • Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
  • Anthropology
  • Nuclear Engineering
  • Molecular Medicine
  • Manufacturing Engineering
  • Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • Natural Resources Conservation and Research
  • Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
  • Metallurgical Engineering
  • Landscape Architecture
  • Industrial Engineering
  • English Language and Literature, General
  • Engineering Mechanics
  • Architecture
  • Public Administration
Online Doctoral Degrees (65 programs)▼
  • Criminal Justice and Corrections
  • Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Engineering
  • Business Administration, Management and Operations
  • Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
  • Public Health
  • Psychology, General
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
  • Neurobiology and Neurosciences
  • Architecture
  • Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education
  • Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
  • Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
  • Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
  • Materials Engineering
  • Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
  • Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
  • Physics
  • Mathematics
  • Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
  • Philosophy
  • Music
  • Molecular Medicine
  • Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
  • Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
  • Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
  • City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
  • Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
  • Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
  • Student Counseling and Personnel Services
  • Statistics
  • Sociology
  • Political Science and Government
  • Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
  • Pharmacology and Toxicology
  • History
  • Geography and Cartography
  • Civil Engineering
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
  • Nuclear Engineering
  • Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
  • Economics
  • Curriculum and Instruction
  • Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • Biomedical/Medical Engineering
  • Biology, General
  • Special Education and Teaching
  • Natural Resources Conservation and Research
  • Metallurgical Engineering
  • Medical Illustration and Informatics
  • International/Global Studies
  • Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • English Language and Literature, General
  • Engineering Mechanics
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
  • Accounting and Related Services
  • Law
  • Educational/Instructional Media Design
  • Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
  • Computer and Information Sciences, General
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (31 programs)▼
  • Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
  • Education, Other
  • Business Administration, Management and Operations
  • Geography and Cartography
  • International Business
  • Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
  • Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
  • Real Estate
  • Human Resources Management and Services
  • Film/Video and Photographic Arts
  • Criminology
  • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
  • General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations
  • Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
  • Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
  • Museology/Museum Studies
  • Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
  • Historic Preservation and Conservation
  • Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
  • City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
  • Area Studies
  • Urban Studies/Affairs
  • Student Counseling and Personnel Services
  • Religion/Religious Studies
  • Public Policy Analysis
  • Pharmacology and Toxicology
  • Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
  • Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate)
  • Medical Illustration and Informatics
  • Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other
  • Applied Mathematics
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (60 programs)▼
  • Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
  • Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
  • Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate)
  • Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
  • Communication and Media Studies
  • Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
  • Political Science and Government
  • Human Resources Management and Services
  • Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
  • Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other
  • Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
  • Legal Support Services
  • Landscape Architecture
  • Historic Preservation and Conservation
  • Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • Religion/Religious Studies
  • Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
  • Bioethics/Medical Ethics
  • Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
  • Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
  • Geography and Cartography
  • Fine and Studio Arts
  • Area Studies
  • Plant Sciences
  • Journalism
  • Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
  • Visual and Performing Arts, General
  • Film/Video and Photographic Arts
  • Nutrition Sciences
  • Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
  • City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
  • Anthropology
  • Social Work
  • Social Sciences, General
  • Museology/Museum Studies
  • Archeology
  • Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
  • Public Health
  • History
  • Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
  • Educational/Instructional Media Design
  • Computer Software and Media Applications
  • Computer Programming
  • Business Administration, Management and Operations
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Woodworking
  • Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education
  • Precision Metal Working
  • Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • Mathematics
  • Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians
  • Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians
  • Computer Engineering
  • Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • Chemistry
  • Biology, General
  • Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
  • Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications
  • Computer Science
Online First Professional Degrees (7 programs)▼
  • Medicine
  • Law
  • Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
  • Music
  • Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
  • Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
  • Public Health

Student Demographics

Student Population

  • Total Undergraduate Enrollment 29,882
  • Full-Time Students 90.3%
  • Part-Time Students 9.7%
  • Male Students 49.7%
  • Female Students 50.3%
  • Caucasian 69.0%
  • Asian 5.4%
  • Hispanic 5.4%
  • Black 9.2%
  • Pell Grant Recipients 18.8%

Racial & Ethnic Diversity

Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects University of Cincinnati-Main Campus's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.

Gender Distribution

Gender breakdown of University of Cincinnati-Main Campus's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.

Graduation Rate Equity Analysis

How well does University of Cincinnati-Main Campus support students from different economic backgrounds?

Pell Grant Recipients
65.8%
6-year graduation rate
Non-Pell Students
80.1%
6-year graduation rate
Equity Gap
14.3 pts
equity gap to monitor

What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.

Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity

Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity

Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of Cincinnati-Main Campus, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.

EDsmart Insight: About 18.8% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.

Graduation Rate Equity Analysis

How well does University of Cincinnati-Main Campus support students from different economic backgrounds?

Pell Grant Recipients
65.8%
6-year graduation rate
Non-Pell Students
80.1%
6-year graduation rate
Equity Gap
14.3 pts
equity gap to monitor

What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.

Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity

Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity

Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of Cincinnati-Main Campus, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.

Our Take

University of Cincinnati-Main Campus serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #581 nationally with a 57.7% ROI, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.

At $25,648 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $72,188 median earnings. The 75.0% graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 85.4% retention suggests adequate student support.

University Value: University of Cincinnati-Main Campus's Strengths

Ranked #581 with a B+ grade, University of Cincinnati-Main Campus prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.

Primary Strengths: Universitys like University of Cincinnati-Main Campus excel at providing affordable education ($25,648 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.

Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.

Honest Assessment: University of Cincinnati-Main Campus's 85.4% retention and 75.0% graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($72,188 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.

Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, University of Cincinnati-Main Campus's 57.7% ROI and $25,648 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.

Key Takeaways

  • 75.0% graduation rate sits 12.5 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
  • 85.4% first-year retention is 8.6 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
  • 57.7% return on investment is 7.8 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
  • Median earnings of $72,188 run about 20% higher than national outcomes four years after graduation.
  • Average net price of $25,648 is roughly $5,569 higher than the national median of $20,079.

Helpfulness for Students

Green Flags
  • 19:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
  • 85.4% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
  • 89.8% employment rate within three years sits 21.6 points above national outcomes.
Red Flags
  • Average net price of $25,648 is about $5,569 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
  • Pell participation at 18.8% trails the national share by 15.7 points, so equity work remains important.
  • Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis

University of Cincinnati-Main Campus, a public university in Cincinnati, OH, secures a B+ grade in our latest review. It is currently ranked #581 nationally Grades by category break down as Completion A-, Support B-, Career Outcomes B+, and Affordability C.

Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.

Student momentum is strong: 85.4% retention, 75.0% graduation within 150% of normal time, and 72.9% earning an award within eight years. Return on investment currently measures 57.7% for this program.

Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.

EDsmart Financial Snapshot

Families pay about $25,648 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $32,171.

Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $6,523 per year.

Graduates leave with a median of $21,250 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.

About 18.8% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.

Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.

EDsmart Career Snapshot

Six years in, alumni earn roughly $72,188 at the median. Compared with the national median, that's 20% higher.

Employment outcomes report about 89.8% of alumni working within three years.

EDsmart lists the ROI at 57.7%, offering a quick read on value.

Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.

EDsmart Admissions Snapshot

85.3% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.

The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.

Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the University of Cincinnati-Main Campus admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.

Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.

EDsmart Verdict
3.51 / 5
Value Rating - Based on affordability and career outcomes

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is University of Cincinnati-Main Campus's acceptance rate?

University of Cincinnati-Main Campus's acceptance rate is 85.3%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.

How much does University of Cincinnati-Main Campus cost?

At University of Cincinnati-Main Campus, listed tuition and fees are $13,976 per year, and the average net price after aid is $25,648. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.

What is University of Cincinnati-Main Campus's ranking?

University of Cincinnati-Main Campus ranks #581 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B+, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.

What is University of Cincinnati-Main Campus's graduation rate?

At University of Cincinnati-Main Campus, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 75.0% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), College Scorecard 8-year award rate is 72.9%, and first-year retention is 85.4%.

What are University of Cincinnati-Main Campus's job outcomes?

Graduates of University of Cincinnati-Main Campus report median earnings of $72,188 four years after graduation, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.

What is University of Cincinnati-Main Campus's student population?

University of Cincinnati-Main Campus enrolls about 29,882 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.

Contact Information

  • AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
  • Endowment$1.85B

Data Source & Methodology ▼