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.
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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) | $32,171 |
| Tuition and Fees | $29,310 |
| Room and Board | $13,564 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,300 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$6,523 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $25,648 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $17,974 |
| $30–48k | $18,092 |
| $48–75k | $22,492 |
| $75–110k | $27,596 |
| $110k+ | $29,616 |
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.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
University of Cincinnati graduates carry median debt of $21,250, compared to a peer median of $20,000, indicating modestly higher borrowing than similar large public research universities. Student debt spans from $5,500 at the 25th percentile to $25,834 at the 75th percentile, reflecting varied borrowing patterns across different student populations and academic programs.
The university ranks at the 62nd percentile nationally for student debt levels, placing it above average but not in the highest debt categories. Cincinnati's debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39 indicates that median debt represents roughly 39% of first-year post-graduation earnings, suggesting manageable repayment burdens for typical graduates.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
University of Cincinnati presents a mixed investment profile that balances accessible admission with reasonable long-term outcomes despite modest costs. Graduates earn $8,353 below expectations relative to similar students nationally, placing the institution at the 21.2nd percentile for earnings beyond expectations and indicating weaker value-added performance than many alternatives.
However, median earnings of $54,810 rank at the 56th percentile nationally, demonstrating solid absolute outcomes even if below predicted levels. Student debt of $21,250 compares reasonably to median earnings, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39 that supports manageable repayment for most graduates.
The university's mobility index ranks at the 88.1st percentile with well above average performance, indicating effectiveness in supporting economic advancement for students from diverse backgrounds. Net costs of $23,156 exceed peer medians by $7,566, suggesting higher educational investment requirements than typical public alternatives.
University of Cincinnati's financial aid profile reflects its role serving diverse student populations with varied financial circumstances. The institution enrolls 17.6% Pell-eligible students, below the national average for public universities but representing meaningful access for lower-income families.
Financial aid saves students an average of $5,627 annually, though this figure varies substantially by family income and individual circumstances. The gap between the $28,783 sticker price and $23,156 average net price indicates that most students receive some form of financial assistance, whether through need-based grants, merit scholarships, or federal aid programs.
Net prices by income tier suggest aid targeting prioritizes families earning under $75,000 annually, with more modest support for middle and upper-middle income families. The relatively lower Pell share compared to typical public institutions suggests Cincinnati competes for students from diverse economic backgrounds rather than serving primarily as an access institution, though financial aid policies demonstrate commitment to affordability for qualified lower-income applicants.
Parent PLUS borrowing reaches a median of $20,000 with monthly payments of $263, representing additional family financial commitment beyond student debt. The $1,250 difference compared to peer median debt may reflect the university's higher net prices or different student population characteristics, though the gap remains relatively modest.
