At $25,321/yr net price, Ashford University graduates earn $35,404/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $1,404/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $25,321 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $101,284 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $35,404/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$1,404/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 72.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 8.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $31,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $25,193/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $24,745/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $26,377/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $28,812/yr |
| $110,001+ | $27,097/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Business. | Bachelor | $63,005 | $26,497 |
| Educational/Instructional Media Design. | Bachelor | $63,005 | $28,109 |
| Sustainability Studies. | Bachelor | $61,516 | |
| Business/Managerial Economics. | Bachelor | $61,516 | $38,365 |
| Military Applied Sciences. | Bachelor | $56,415 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $51,179 | $41,000 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $50,149 | $37,741 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $48,911 | $34,370 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $45,618 | $29,813 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $45,328 | $41,000 |
The Risk Factor
8.8% of students at Ashford University graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Ashford University presents significant financial risks that outweigh potential returns for most students. With a graduation rate below 9% and median post-graduation earnings of just $35,404, you face poor odds of completing your degree and earning enough to justify the investment.
The numbers get worse when you consider the $31,250 median debt load against those low earnings. Your debt-to-income ratio would exceed safe lending standards, making loan repayment challenging even if you graduate and find work.
Only a handful of programs show promise. International Business and Educational Media Design graduates earn $63,005 annually with manageable debt loads around $26,000-$28,000. Business Economics also pays well at $61,516, though debt climbs to $38,365. Military Applied Sciences offers solid returns for service members using GI Bill benefits.
The 30% retention rate signals that most students leave after their first year, often with debt but no degree. This pattern suggests academic support and student services may not adequately prepare you for success.
You should only consider Ashford if you qualify for one of the higher-paying programs and have strong academic preparation to beat the low graduation odds. Military students with education benefits face less financial risk and may find the online format convenient.
For everyone else, community college followed by transfer to a public four-year institution offers better graduation rates and lower costs. The combination of high dropout rates, modest earnings, and substantial debt makes Ashford a poor financial choice for traditional students paying full price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ashford University worth the cost?
Ashford University's ROI is poor, with graduates earning just $35,404 annually after paying $25,321 per year. The 8.8% graduation rate means most students don't finish their degree.
What is the average debt for Ashford University graduates?
Ashford University graduates carry a median debt of $31,250. With average earnings of $35,404, this creates a challenging debt-to-income ratio for most graduates.
Which Ashford University programs have the best job prospects?
International Business and Educational Media Design graduates earn around $63,005, significantly above the school average. Business Economics and Sustainability Studies also perform better at about $61,516.
Why is Ashford University's graduation rate so low?
Only 8.8% of Ashford University students graduate, one of the lowest rates nationally. This suggests many students struggle to complete their programs, often leaving with debt but no degree.