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 leaves you with a modest financial return. Median earnings ten years out sit near $42,000, while median debt runs about $24,000. That debt is manageable on its own, but the payoff is thin given the private-nonprofit price tag. The 84% retention and 65% graduation rates mean you have a decent shot at finishing, which matters because dropping out with debt and no degree is the worst outcome here.
The program-level numbers are where the picture gets rough. Every top-earning bachelor's field listed pays under $34,000 early on. Teacher education leads at roughly $33,000 but carries the highest program debt at over $26,000, so you graduate owing more than you make in year one. Accounting, communication, radio and TV, and sacred music all start below $30,000. None of these clear the bar you would want against Asbury's cost. If you enroll for a teaching, communications, media, or music path, expect slow financial returns and plan for graduate credentials or higher-paying roles down the line.
The income-based net price tiers reward lower-income families most. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay around $15,000 a year, meaningfully less than the $26,000 charged to families above $110,000. Aid narrows the gap for you at the bottom, but even $15,000 a year against sub-$34,000 starting salaries in these majors is a stretch.
Asbury fits you if your goal is a faith-centered education in teaching, ministry, or media and you accept modest pay for it, especially if you qualify for the lower price tiers. If you are choosing mainly on earnings or want to minimize debt-to-income risk, the salary data here says look elsewhere.
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.