At $20,428/yr net price, Asbury University graduates earn $42,368/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,368/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $20,428 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $81,712 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,368/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,368/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 9.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 65.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,028 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $15,895/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,167/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,098/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,455/yr |
| $110,001+ | $26,463/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $57,318 | $48,256 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $43,000 | |
| Social Work. | Master | $39,153 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $33,382 | $26,346 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $29,685 | |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $29,141 | |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication. | Bachelor | $26,739 | $24,289 |
| Religious/Sacred Music. | Bachelor | $25,774 | |
| Agricultural and Domestic Animal Services. | Bachelor | $20,140 | $20,250 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $20,140 | $25,000 |
The Risk Factor
65.0% of students at Asbury University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 35% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Asbury University delivers weak financial returns for most students, with median earnings of $42,368 ten years after graduation barely justifying the $20,428 annual net price. The 65% graduation rate means one in three students leave without a degree, making the financial gamble even riskier.
Educational Administration stands out as the only program with strong earning potential at $57,318, though it requires taking on nearly $50,000 in debt. Teacher education programs show mixed results, with some tracks reaching $43,000 while others plateau at $33,382. Social work graduates earn just $39,153, making it difficult to service typical debt loads. Accounting produces particularly poor outcomes at under $30,000 annually.
The biggest financial risk is the low graduation rate combined with Kentucky's limited job market for college graduates. You face real odds of leaving with debt but no degree, or graduating into a regional economy that may not reward your investment.
Asbury makes financial sense if you plan to pursue educational leadership roles or can secure substantial merit aid to reduce your net cost below $15,000 annually. The school may also work if you have strong family or religious ties to the institution that provide non-financial value.
You should look elsewhere if you need strong earning potential right after graduation, want access to high-paying entry-level jobs, or cannot afford to take financial risks. The combination of modest outcomes and significant dropout risk makes Asbury a poor choice for students who need college to pay for itself quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Asbury University worth the cost?
Asbury University graduates earn $42,368 annually ten years after enrollment, which is low compared to the $20,428 yearly cost. Most students graduate with $24,028 in debt, making the financial return questionable for many programs.
What are the best paying majors at Asbury University?
Educational Administration graduates from Asbury University earn around $57,318, making it the highest-paying program. Teacher education and social work programs offer modest returns between $33,000-$43,000, while accounting graduates earn just $29,685.
How much debt do Asbury University students graduate with?
Asbury University students graduate with a median debt of $24,028. With average earnings of $42,368 ten years out, this debt load is manageable but limits financial flexibility early in careers.
Does Asbury University have good job placement rates?
Asbury University has a 65% graduation rate, which is below the national average. The school focuses heavily on education and ministry fields, which typically offer stable employment but lower salaries than other sectors.