University of Northwestern Ohio
University of Northwestern Ohio — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
University of Northwestern Ohio at a Glance
The University of Northwestern Ohio (UNOH) is a private university in Lima, Ohio, United States. It was founded in 1920 and grants associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, and master's degrees across more than 50 disciplines within five constituent colleges. As of fall 2023, the university had an enrollment of approximately 2,600 students.
1920
106 years old
2,606
2,572 undergrad · 34 grad
135
Identity
Is University of Northwestern Ohio Worth It?
At a value score of 32/100, University of Northwestern Ohio is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $50,968 — 5% below average — while paying $21,807/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.7 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 54% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 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 University of Northwestern Ohio has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How University of Northwestern Ohio compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in OH
Ranked #195 of 364 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 | Berea College | 100 | $6,106 | $43,150 |
| #2 | College of the Ozarks | 100 | $6,100 | $41,592 |
| #3 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | 83 | $11,704 | $58,170 |
| #4 | Grinnell College | 78 | $17,648 | $62,830 |
| #5 | Saint Xavier University | 77 | $10,970 | $58,656 |
| #6 | Dominican University | 75 | $11,745 | $60,327 |
| #195 | University of Northwestern Ohio | 32 | $21,807 | $50,968 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of University of Northwestern Ohio's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 18 in OH.
Best Programs at University of Northwestern Ohio
The highest-earning program at University of Northwestern Ohio is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $33,500/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Accounting and Related Services at $33,500/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate from University of Northwestern Ohio earns $33,500, while a Accounting and Related Services graduate earns $33,500. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Business Administration, Management and Operations graduates carry $31,000 in median debt vs. $30,303 for Accounting and Related Services.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $21,807/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
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $33,500 | $33,500 | $31,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $33,500 | $33,500 | $30,303 |
Similar Colleges in OH
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Lima, OH
- Student Body
- 2,494 students
- Graduation Rate
- 54%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $21,807
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $50,968
- Median Student Debt
- $17,084