Central Ohio Technical College
Central Ohio Technical College — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Central Ohio Technical College at a Glance
Central Ohio Technical College (COTC) is a public technical college in Newark, Ohio, United States, with extended campuses in Pataskala, Knox, and Coshocton. Founded in 1971, COTC shares a campus with Ohio State University at Newark and offers 31 associate degree programs and 12 certificate programs, including the Associate of Applied Science, Associate of Applied Business, and Associate of Technical Studies egrees.
1971
55 years old
$6M
$5.84 million (2025)
3,491
155 acres
Identity
Is Central Ohio Technical College Worth It?
At a value score of 27/100, Central Ohio Technical College is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $39,168 — 27% below average — while paying $9,948/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1 year — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 27% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 3 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Central Ohio Technical College has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Central Ohio Technical College compares to peer public colleges of similar tier in OH
Ranked #115 of 150 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Chipola College | 100 | $1,133 | $37,378 |
| #2 | North Florida College | 100 | $804 | $33,929 |
| #3 | South Florida State College | 100 | $3,877 | $39,990 |
| #4 | Brazosport College | 100 | $4,732 | $45,910 |
| #5 | New College of Florida | 100 | $7,195 | $48,082 |
| #6 | Florida Gateway College | 97 | $5,364 | $37,894 |
| #115 | Central Ohio Technical College | 27 | $9,948 | $39,168 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Central Ohio Technical College's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 15 in OH.
Best Programs at Central Ohio Technical College
Program-level earnings data isn't available for Central Ohio Technical College. When evaluating whether to attend, research outcomes for your specific major using the Department of Education's College Scorecard or ask the admissions office for placement rates.
As a general rule: STEM, nursing, accounting, and computer science programs tend to deliver the strongest ROI regardless of institution. Humanities and arts programs can still be worthwhile, but require more intentional career planning to achieve financial payoff.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $9,948/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Similar Colleges in OH
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Newark, OH
- Student Body
- 1,941 students
- Graduation Rate
- 27%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $9,948
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $39,168
- Median Student Debt
- $12,072