University of Cincinatti Tuition and Fees
By Kelly Boyer Sagert
(Last Updated – 04/2023)
Total Cost of Attendance
The University of Cincinnati is a public research institution that provides hands-on learning experiences along with academics. The university’s cooperative education program, which was ranked number-one for co-op programs at public universities, allows students to alternate semesters of traditional academics with semesters of paid work in their field.
In 2022-23, the University of Cincinnati tuition for Ohio residents was $13,176, which is slightly higher than the national average of $10,940 at public institutions. Tuition was $28,540 for residents of other states, which is average for out-of-state tuition of $28,240 nationwide.
Costs for 2022-2023
Student Type |
In-State |
Out-State |
Tuition & Fees |
$13,176 |
$28,540 |
Books & Supplies |
$1,200 |
$1,200 |
Room & Board |
$12,852 |
$12,852 |
Other Expenses |
$2,938 |
$2,938 |
Total Cost of Attendance |
$30,166 |
$45,530 |
Financial Aid
At UC, 85% of students use financial aid to pay for University of Cincinnati tuition. This may come as scholarships, loans, grants, or a combination of these.
Explore financial aid options: Ohio Student Loan & Scholarships.
Generally, financial aid is monetary assistance awarded to students based on personal need and merit. Students that qualify for financial aid can use it to pay for college costs like tuition, books, and living expenses.
The federal government is the largest provider of student financial aid. However, aid can also be given by state governments, colleges and universities, private companies, and nonprofits. The different types include:
• Scholarships: These can be awarded by schools and other organizations based on students’ academic excellence, athletic achievement, community involvement, job experience, field of study, and financial need.
• Grants: Generally based on financial need, these can come from federal, state, private, and non-profit organizations.
• Work-study: This federal program provides qualifying students with part-time employment to earn money for expenses while in school.
• Federal student loans: This is money borrowed directly from the U.S. Department of Education. It comes with fixed interest rates that are typically lower than private loans.
Colleges, universities, and state agencies use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine financial aid eligibility. The FAFSA can be completed online, but note that state and federal and school deadlines may differ.
You can find other financial aid opportunities on databases such as:
• US Department of Education – Search for grants from colleges and universities by state
• College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS) – A global college scholarship application used by select institutions to award financial aid
Recommended: The Differences Between Grants, Scholarships, and Loans
Private Student Loans
Of the students who used student loans to help with the University of Cincinnati cost, 45% took out federal loans and 9% took out private student loans. The amount of private student loans averaged $14,902.
Private loans are funded by private organizations such as banks, online lenders, credit unions, some schools, and state-based or state-affiliated organizations. While Federal student loans have interest rates that are regulated by Congress, private lenders follow a different set of regulations so their qualifications and interest rates can vary widely.
What’s more, private loans have variable or fixed interest rates that may be higher than federal loan interest rates, which are always fixed. Private lenders may (but don’t always) require you to make payments on your loans while you are still in school, compared to federal student loans which you don’t have to start paying back until after you graduate, leave school, or change your enrollment status to less than half-time.
Private loans don’t have a specific application window and can be applied for on an as-needed basis. However, if you think you may need to take out a private loan, it’s a good idea to submit your FAFSA first to see what federal aid you may qualify for as it generally may have better rates and terms.
If you’ve missed the FAFSA deadline or you’re struggling to pay for school throughout the year, private loans can potentially help you make your payments. Just keep in mind that you will need enough lead time for your loan to process and for your lender to send money to your school.
Recommended: Guide to Private Student Loans
Projected 4-Year-Degree Price
The University of Cincinnati cost for four years, including tuition and fees, room and board, books, and other expenses, would be $120,664 for in-state students. This is higher than the national average at public universities of $106,760 for in-state students.
The University of Cincinnati costs for residents of other states for four years would be $182,120, which is slightly higher than the national average of $175,960.
Here’s some Student Loan & Scholarship Information for you.
Undergraduate Tuition and Fees
Costs for 2022-23
Student Type |
In-State |
Out-State |
Tuition & Fees |
$13,176 |
$28,540 |
Room & Board |
$12,852 |
$12,852 |
Total Cost of Attendance |
$26,028 |
$41,392 |
The University of Cincinnati costs for tuition and fees plus room and board is $26,028 for in-state students. The cost is $41,392 for those from out-of-state.
Graduate Tuition and Fees
Costs for 2022-23
Student Type |
In-State |
Out-State |
Tuition |
$13,224 |
$24,966 |
Fees |
$1,678 |
$1,678 |
Total Cost of Attendance |
$14,902 |
$26,644 |
The cost for University of Cincinnati tuition and fees for graduate students from Ohio was $14,902 in 2022-23. For students from other states, the cost was $26,644. In comparison, the average cost of a Masters degree at U.S. public universities is $29,150.
There are many options for graduate loans that can help with these costs.
Cost per Credit Hour
Attending the University of Cincinnati (main campus) part-time cost $549 per credit hour in 2022-23 for Ohio residents.
Campus Housing Expenses
Costs for 2022-23
Student Type |
In-State |
Out-State |
Books & Supplies |
$1,200 |
$1,200 |
Room & Board |
$12,852 |
$965/mo* |
Other Expenses |
$2,938 |
$2,938 |
*Based on one-bedroom pricing. Average rate based on available apartments on University of Cincinnati’s off-campus housing website in 2023.
First-year students at UC are required to live on campus (unless they are married, or live with their parents within 50 miles of campus). The University of Cincinnati offers residence halls and apartment-style housing on campus. There are also Living-Learning Communities and themed floors for students whose interests are similar. For off-campus living, there are many apartments and rentals to live off-campus within walking distance. You can explore the options for off campus housing .
University of Cincinnati Acceptance Rate
Fall 2021
Number of Applications |
Number Accepted |
Percentage Accepted |
25,775 |
21,908 |
85% |
The University of Cincinnati acceptance rate is 85%. In 2021, 21,908 students were accepted, making the University of Cincinnati acceptance rate high.
Admission Requirements
To be accepted at UC there are certain requirements students must provide with their application. Other things, such as test scores, are recommended.
Required:
• High school transcript
• GPA
Recommended:
• SAT or ACT scores
• Essay
• Letters of recommendation
The deadline to submit an application for fall enrollment is March 1.
SAT and ACT Scores
While test scores are optional at the University of Cincinnati through 2024, here are the standardized test scores at the 25th and 75th percentile at UC.
Subject |
25th Percentile |
75th Percentile |
SAT Evidence-Based |
570 |
670 |
SAT Math |
580 |
680 |
ACT Composite |
24 |
29 |
ACT English |
22 |
30 |
ACT Math |
24 |
29 |
Popular Majors at the University of Cincinnati
UC offers a wide range of majors that provide hands-on learning opportunities. Many programs also offer study abroad options. Here are the most popular majors at the University of Cincinnati.
1. Marketing
After getting a foundation in business courses like Managerial Accounting, Microeconomics, and Business Finance, students learn about Marketing Research, Consumer Behavior, Applied Trend Research and Analysis, and more. They also can study abroad if they choose.
Undergraduate degrees in 2020-21: 418
2. Nursing
In addition to their coursework, nursing students get the chance to use the latest medical technology as well as work in clinical environments like a trauma center, obstetric unit, pediatric hospital, outpatient surgery center, and community hospital.
Undergraduate degrees in 2020-21: 379
3. Psychology
After sharpening their skills in courses like Foundations of Quantitative Reasoning, Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology, and Introduction to Cognitive Psychology, graduates of this program go on to careers such as caseworker; clinical, research, or school psychologist; professor; counselor; and mental health worker.
Undergraduate degrees in 2020-21: 301
4. Finance
Finance majors learn about Managerial Accounting; Business Analytics; Design Thinking, Inclusion & Ethics in Business; Corporate Finance; and Real Estate Finance.
Undergraduate degrees in 2020-21: 254
5. Biology
Students can select a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology of Animals or Cell and Molecular Biology. In addition to intensive coursework on the subject, students will also participate in lab work to further their understanding of Biology.
Undergraduate degrees in 2020-21: 246
6. Criminal Justice
Those pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice take classes like Introduction to Criminology, Criminal Procedure, Corrections in America, and Criminal Justice Research Methods.
Undergraduate degrees in 2020-21: 227
7. Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering students learn about fluid, thermal, structural, and motion design and analysis; kinematics and kinetics of machines; system dynamics and vibrations; thermodynamics; and more.
Undergraduate degrees in 2020-21: 211
8. Communication
Communication skills are important in every field, and graduates of this program go on to have careers in public relations and marketing, business, law, government, nonprofit, and more. In their sophomore year, Communication majors can choose a co-op track for career-oriented experiences.
Undergraduate degrees in 2020-21: 192
9. Interdisciplinary
For students who want to forge their own path, the Interdisciplinary degree is an option. They can choose the Social Justice or Cybersecurity Curriculum, or create their own curriculum, which can include courses in Ethnobotany, Archaeology, Environmental Studies, and more.
Undergraduate degrees in 2020-21: 185
10. Operations Management
Operations Management majors learn about Healthcare Management & Operations, Data Mining & Analysis, Spreadsheet Analytics, and Procurement and Logistics. They also have the option to study abroad.
Undergraduate degrees in 2020-21: 162
Graduation Rate
Here are the graduation rates at the University of Cincinnati.
• 4 years: 38%
• 6 years: 72%
• 8 years: 72%
Post-Graduation Median Earnings
After completing an undergraduate degree at UC, you can expect to earn on average $49,481 per year, which is slightly higher than the national average of $47,922 for graduates of four-year programs.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a university that gets you out of the classroom and into real-life learning experiences, the University of Cincinnati delivers. And UC’s affordable tuition and high acceptance rate provide you with a good chance to get in without busting your budget.
Photo credit: iStock/Rebecca Todd
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