Ohio Northern University's published cost of attendance is $52,484 per year, including $37,800 in tuition, $13,200 for room and board, and $1,200 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $25,727 after financial aid, representing $26,757 in savings from the sticker price.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $53,580 |
| Tuition and Fees | $39,800 |
| Room and Board | $14,604 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$29,102 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $24,478 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $18,525 |
| $30–48k | $19,223 |
| $48–75k | $22,336 |
| $75–110k | $25,605 |
| $110k+ | $27,710 |
Ohio Northern University's published cost of attendance is $52,484 per year, including $37,800 in tuition, $13,200 for room and board, and $1,200 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $25,727 after financial aid, representing $26,757 in savings from the sticker price. This net price sits slightly above the peer median of $27,143, making Ohio Northern University modestly more expensive than similar private institutions.
The gap between sticker price and net cost demonstrates substantial financial aid distribution, with the university providing significant support to reduce published costs. Net prices vary considerably by family income, ranging from $20,389 for families earning under $30,000 to $29,022 for families earning over $110,000. This progressive structure indicates that financial aid concentrates on lower-income families while higher-earning families pay closer to full price.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Median student debt reaches $27,000 at Ohio Northern University, exceeding the peer median of $24,181 by $2,819 and ranking in the 4.0th percentile nationally for debt levels. Debt spans from $12,000 at the 25th percentile to $28,000 at the 75th percentile, showing most students borrow substantial amounts regardless of family circumstances.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33 indicates graduates dedicate roughly one-third of their first-year earnings to debt service, which is manageable given the strong earnings trajectory of $80,928. Parent PLUS debt reaches a median of $27,600 with monthly payments of $363, indicating families supplement student borrowing with additional parental debt.
Higher debt levels reflect the institution's premium pricing structure, though strong earnings outcomes help justify the increased borrowing burden. Students should expect debt levels above typical private institutions but can anticipate earnings sufficient to manage repayment obligations effectively.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Ohio Northern University delivers $3,169 in earnings beyond expectations, ranking at the 67.9th percentile nationally and demonstrating above-average value creation. Median earnings of $80,928 exceed the peer median of $63,066 by $17,862, representing a 28.3% earnings premium that more than compensates for higher costs and debt levels.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33 remains manageable given strong career outcomes, particularly when considering the 29.1% earnings growth from year six to year ten post-enrollment. Return on investment performance ranks at the 97.0th percentile, placing Ohio Northern University among the highest we track for long-term financial returns.
Despite higher upfront costs and debt burdens, graduates achieve earnings outcomes that justify the premium pricing structure. The institution's top-tier return performance indicates that students receive strong career preparation and outcomes that exceed what would be expected based on their academic preparation and backgrounds.
Ohio Northern University's financial aid system generates $26,757 in average savings from the published cost of attendance, bringing net costs down from $52,484 to $25,727. The substantial aid distribution reflects the institution's commitment to making private education accessible despite premium pricing.
With 19.0% of students receiving Pell grants, federal aid supports the most economically disadvantaged students, while institutional aid appears to extend beyond just the lowest-income families based on the progressive net price structure. The aid concentration toward lower-income students aligns with typical private university patterns, where need-based aid targets families with the greatest financial constraints.
Students should expect meaningful aid consideration, though net costs remain above peer medians. The combination of high sticker prices with substantial aid suggests Ohio Northern University uses high-tuition, high-aid strategies common among private institutions seeking to maximize revenue while maintaining accessibility for diverse economic backgrounds.
