school comparisons5 min read

Psychology at Ohio State vs Michigan: Which Degree Is Worth More in 2026?

Comparing Psychology at Ohio State University-Main Campus vs University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. See real salary data, costs, and Value Scores to decide which program is the better investment.

The Quick Comparison

Ohio State University-Main CampusUniversity of Michigan-Ann Arbor
TypePublicPublic
LocationColumbus, OHAnn Arbor, MI
Median Salary$0/yr$0/yr
Annual Net Cost$18,292/yr$14,832/yr
4-Year Total Cost$73,168$59,328
Completion Rate88%93%
Value Score6/1007/100

Cost Breakdown

Ohio State University-Main Campus costs $18,292 per year after financial aid, totaling approximately $73,168 over four years. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor comes in at $14,832 per year, or $59,328 total.

That's a difference of $13,840 over four years. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor is the more affordable option.

Earnings After Graduation

Psychology graduates from Ohio State University-Main Campus earn a median of $0 per year within one year of graduation. Graduates from University of Michigan-Ann Arbor earn $0.

Both programs produce graduates with similar earnings. Over a 10-year career, that difference compounds significantly.

The Verdict

Based on the Value Score — which factors in cost, earnings, break-even time, and completion rate — University of Michigan-Ann Arbor delivers better overall value for a Psychology degree.

However, the "right" choice depends on your specific financial situation, career goals, and personal fit. A school that's cheaper but has lower earnings might still be the better choice if you graduate debt-free, and a more expensive school might be worth it if it opens specific career doors in your field.

Use the links below to see the full scorecard for each program, or use the compare tool to add a third school to the mix.

See the full data:

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