Students at the University of Cincinnati achieve solid long-term earnings that place the university above average nationally for graduate financial outcomes.
The combination of strong professional programs and reliable career preparation creates sustainable financial results for most graduates.
Azimuth ranks the University of Cincinnati-Main Campus 67th out of 406 public four-year institutions nationwide, placing it in the top 16% for overall value. What distinguishes UC is its combination of strong academic programs and solid long-term financial outcomes, with graduates earning a median of $54,810 ten years after enrollment. The university serves as a "Selective Achievers" institution, delivering strong outcomes for the students it enrolls while maintaining more selective access patterns.
The University of Cincinnati operates as a large public research university in Ohio, offering comprehensive academic programs with particular strength in professional fields. About 31% of students are first-generation college students, and the university maintains solid graduation rates with 72% of students completing their degrees within six years. UC's program portfolio spans engineering, business, nursing, and liberal arts, with many programs leading directly into stable, well-paying careers.
As an urban research university, UC provides the resources and opportunities of a major institution while maintaining strong connections to Cincinnati's diverse economy. The combination of academic breadth, professional focus, and solid financial outcomes makes UC an attractive option for students seeking a comprehensive university experience with reliable career preparation.
The University of Cincinnati's program portfolio demonstrates clear strengths in professional and technical fields that translate directly into career success. Adult Health Nursing exemplifies this approach, combining high enrollment (416 graduates) with strong earnings ($57,318) to create the university's highest aggregate return program. Digital Marketing, as the largest program with 434 graduates, shows how UC balances scale with solid financial outcomes, producing graduates who earn $42,868 in early career.
Engineering programs deliver some of UC's strongest individual earnings outcomes, with Chemical Engineering graduates earning $70,456 despite smaller cohort sizes of 106 students. This pattern reflects UC's strength in technical fields where specialized skills command premium salaries. The university's professional focus extends across multiple disciplines, creating multiple pathways to strong career outcomes.
The range of outcomes across programs is significant, from high-earning technical fields to more modest returns in foundational disciplines like Biopsychology ($23,227). This variation underscores how program choice matters considerably at UC, where career-focused majors consistently deliver strong returns while exploratory or foundational fields provide more variable financial outcomes. Students benefit most when they align their academic choices with UC's professional program strengths.
Graduates of the University of Cincinnati see solid long-term financial outcomes, with a median income of $54,810 ten years after enrollment. This places UC above average nationally for graduate earnings, ranking in the 67th percentile among public institutions. While earnings don't significantly exceed expectations compared with similar universities, the absolute earning levels provide a strong foundation for career success and debt repayment.
Program-level outcomes vary considerably across UC's diverse academic portfolio. Adult Health Nursing stands out as both the highest aggregate return program and one of the largest, with 416 graduates earning a median of $57,318 ten years out. Digital Marketing represents the largest program by enrollment with 434 graduates earning $42,868, while Chemical Engineering delivers some of the highest individual earnings at $70,456 for its 106 graduates. The university's strength in professional programs like nursing, engineering, and business helps drive overall strong earnings outcomes, though students in fields like Biopsychology see more modest early-career returns around $23,227. This range reflects UC's comprehensive program mix, where career-focused majors consistently deliver strong financial returns while foundational disciplines provide solid but more variable outcomes.
Affordability at the University of Cincinnati varies significantly by family income level, with the university positioned as moderately expensive compared with other public institutions. Low-income students pay about $15,108 annually after aid, while middle-income families face costs around $20,607 per year, and high-income families pay approximately $26,573. These net prices place UC somewhat above typical public university levels, particularly for middle- and upper-income families.
Debt levels at UC are manageable for most graduates given their earning potential. Typical students leave with about $21,250 in federal loan debt, while families who choose Parent PLUS loans borrow an average of $20,000. With median graduate earnings of $54,810, most borrowers can handle standard repayment comfortably. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, and loan repayment data shows that UC graduates pay down their balances faster than national averages, with stronger-than-typical performance in early repayment milestones. This suggests that while upfront costs are moderate to high, the combination of solid earnings and reasonable debt levels creates sustainable financial outcomes for most graduates.
University Of Cincinnati-Main Campus Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
