Miami University vs University of Cincinnati

Miami University vs University of Cincinnati

Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)

Miami University is placed above UC in national rankings, yet UC boasts a more extensive profile of research. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, neither is highly ranked internationally, but within US News National Universities 2025, Miami sits at 284th place, while UC ranks 431st. Miami achieves high marks in Business (23% of majors), Education, and Social Sciences, with notable undergraduate teaching accolades. UC is strong in Health Professions, Engineering, and Design, with notable recognition for its cooperative education (co-op) program and medical research. Miami’s focus on undergraduate education gives it an edge in liberal arts and student-faculty engagement, while UC’s urban research scope enhances its professional programs.

General Information

UC is significantly larger, with a total enrollment exceeding 53,000 compared to Miami’s 19,000. Miami provides approximately 120 undergraduate and 70 graduate programs with a focus on a liberal arts education and an intimate campus community. UC offers more than 300 undergraduate and graduate programs through 14 colleges, with a focus on research and professional education, especially via its nationally acclaimed co-op program. Miami’s Oxford campus offers a scenic, small-town feel with Georgian architecture, while UC’s Cincinnati campus integrates with a vibrant urban environment, providing access to cultural and professional opportunities.

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

UC’s admissions are less selective, with an 87.7% acceptance rate compared to Miami’s more competitive 70–88% range, averaging lower in recent cycles. Miami’s SAT range is 1210–1380, and ACT is 26–31, while UC’s is 1150–1360 and 24–29. Both are test-optional, with Miami having a more stringent average high school GPA requirement (3.85 vs. UC's 3.69). Miami is popular with students wanting a traditional residential college experience, while UC is preferred by those who want to be part of urban opportunities and professional training through co-op placements.

Research Impact & Facilities

Both universities are R1 research schools with very high research activity. UC’s research excels in Health Professions, Engineering, and Design, supported by urban facilities, a 4.4-million-volume library system, and partnerships with Cincinnati’s medical and tech sectors. Miami focuses on Business, Social Sciences, Biology, and undergraduate research, with a smaller but active research output that emphasizes direct student involvement. UC’s larger scale and urban setting drive higher research productivity, while Miami’s size fosters personalized faculty-student engagement and strong undergraduate teaching.

Cost & Financial Aid

Miami’s in-state tuition is about $17,264, out-of-state $38,293, with room and board at $15,824. UC’s in-state tuition is about $11,228, out-of-state $27,932–30,582 depending on program, with room and board at $12,852. Miami offers higher average financial aid awards, with over 90% of students receiving some form of aid, while UC’s aid is more limited in amount but supports a broad student body, especially through in-state affordability. UC is more cost-effective, particularly for Ohio residents, while Miami’s higher aid packages offset its greater tuition for many students, including international applicants.

Career Outcomes & Alumni Success

Miami graduates earn higher median salaries in many fields, averaging about $54,650–55,590 ten years after graduation, with a graduation rate of over 80%. Miami alumni excel in Business, Education, and Social Sciences, with a strong regional network in the Midwest and high graduate school placement. UC graduates earn about $54,800–55,000 on average ten years after graduation, benefiting from the strength of its co-op program, which connects students to top employers during their studies. UC alumni thrive in Health Professions, Engineering, and urban industries, leveraging Cincinnati’s job market. Miami is strong in undergraduate instruction and career preparedness through liberal arts education, while UC offers career-oriented, practical outcomes attached to its professional curricula.