University Of Cincinnati-Main Campus

University of Cincinnati admits 87.7% of applicants, meaning roughly 9 in 10 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places the university in the Open Access category for admission selectivity, making it significantly more accessible than typical selective institutions.

The peer median admission rate of 78.1% indicates Cincinnati admits students at a higher rate than similar large public research universities, though the difference is relatively modest at 9.6 percentage points. This level of accessibility means that students with solid academic preparation should expect favorable admission prospects, though the university maintains meaningful academic standards as evidenced by SAT scores among the highest we track nationally.

Cincinnati's open access approach reflects its mission as a comprehensive public research university serving diverse student populations throughout Ohio and beyond. For prospective students, this admission rate suggests that academic preparation and program fit matter more than competitive positioning against other applicants.

Students should focus on demonstrating readiness for college-level work and alignment with their intended major rather than viewing admission as a highly competitive selection process. The university's accessible admission combined with strong academic programs creates opportunities for students seeking quality education without the uncertainty of highly selective admission.

University of Cincinnati's published cost of attendance reaches $28,783 annually, including $13,570 in-state tuition, $30,582 out-of-state tuition, $13,048 for room and board, and $1,300 for books and supplies. The average student pays $23,156 after financial aid, representing savings of $5,627 from the sticker price through institutional and federal aid programs.

This net price falls $7,566 below the peer median of $15,590, indicating higher costs than typical large public research universities, though this difference partly reflects Cincinnati's comprehensive program offerings and urban location. Financial aid effectiveness varies significantly by family income, with net prices ranging from $15,108 for families earning under $30,000 to $26,573 for families earning over $110,000.

The $11,465 gap between lowest and highest income tiers demonstrates progressive aid targeting that provides substantial support for lower-income families while expecting higher contributions from families with greater financial capacity. For Ohio residents, in-state tuition of $13,570 makes the university more accessible than out-of-state alternatives, though total costs remain meaningful for middle-income families who may not qualify for substantial need-based aid.

University of Cincinnati graduates demonstrate steady earnings progression over their early career trajectory. Median earnings grow from $48,310 six years after enrollment to $52,188 at eight years and $54,810 at ten years, representing 13.5% growth from the six-year mark.

These outcomes reflect data from substantial cohorts: 9,950 graduates in the six-year sample, 10,605 in the eight-year sample, and 11,444 in the ten-year sample, providing high confidence in reported figures. While graduates earn $8,353 below expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing the institution at the 21.2nd percentile for earnings beyond expectations, the university delivers consistent outcomes across its diverse academic portfolio.

Low-income graduates earn $46,900, demonstrating solid economic mobility potential. Earnings span from $33,668 at the 25th percentile to $79,998 at the 75th percentile, a 2.4:1 ratio reflecting the institution's broad program mix from liberal arts to engineering.

Approximately 25.6% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education. Compared to peer institutions with a median of $60,543, Cincinnati graduates earn $5,733 less annually, though this difference reflects the university's mission to serve diverse student populations with varied academic preparation.

University of Cincinnati offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for comprehensive outcome analysis. Blood Bank Technology Specialist ranks #4 nationally and #1 in Ohio, producing 192 graduates with median earnings of $71,867 and an exceptional value score of 93.5.

Commercial Photography ranks #11 nationally and #1 in Ohio, graduating 205 students with median earnings of $56,482 and a strong value score of 90.8. Business Administration and Management ranks #43 nationally and #1 in Ohio, with 193 graduates earning $77,827 and achieving a value score of 87.6.

Digital Marketing ranks #65 nationally and #2 in Ohio, graduating 434 students with median earnings of $56,133. Banking and Financial Support Services also ranks #65 nationally and #2 in Ohio, producing 239 graduates earning $68,220.

Several programs serve as institutional flagships, with Digital Marketing, Adult Health Nurse/Nursing, Psychology, Banking and Financial Support Services, Mechanical Engineering, Biology, Commercial Photography, and Corrections Administration all designated as top majors at the school, reflecting strong student demand and institutional investment in these academic areas.