At $21,994/yr net price, Ashland University graduates earn $52,928/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $18,928/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,994 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $87,976 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $52,928/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$18,928/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 60.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $20,158/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $20,838/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,000/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,402/yr |
| $110,001+ | $22,527/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $73,035 | $29,090 |
| Theological and Ministerial Studies. | Doctoral | $61,516 | |
| History. | Master | $58,221 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $56,776 | $22,323 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $56,513 | $25,000 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $51,607 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $51,482 | $23,250 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $51,482 | $18,512 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $45,735 | $18,514 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $44,635 | $18,400 |
The Risk Factor
60.6% of students at Ashland University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 39% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Ashland University delivers mixed financial returns, with strong outcomes for business majors but weaker prospects across most other programs. The $21,994 annual net price sits reasonably for a private college, but the 60% graduation rate means four in ten students leave without a degree and likely carry debt with no credential to show for it.
Business Administration stands out as the clear financial winner, generating $73,035 in median earnings despite higher debt loads of $29,090. This program alone justifies the investment for students who can handle the coursework and complete their degree. Nursing also provides solid returns at $56,513, matching typical expectations for healthcare careers in Ohio's job market.
The theological studies program presents a financial puzzle, showing strong earnings of $61,516 despite typically lower-paying ministry careers. History majors also perform surprisingly well at $58,221, though these outcomes likely reflect graduate school attendance rather than immediate job market success.
Your biggest risk at Ashland is the 72% retention rate, which signals academic or financial struggles that cause students to transfer or drop out. The relatively low 27.6% of students receiving aid suggests limited need-based assistance, making this school primarily accessible to middle and upper-middle-class families who can handle the sticker price.
Ashland works financially if you plan to major in business, can afford the costs without excessive borrowing, and have the academic preparation to graduate on time. Students considering education, liberal arts, or other lower-earning majors should carefully weigh the debt-to-income ratio before enrolling. The school's Ohio location limits job market access compared to colleges near major metropolitan areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ashland University worth the cost?
Ashland University's graduates earn $52,928 after 10 years, which is below average for a private university costing $22,000 annually. The return on investment is modest, with graduates typically needing 8-10 years to recover their education costs.
What are the best paying majors at Ashland University?
Business Administration leads earnings at $73,035 annually, followed by Theological Studies at $61,516. These programs offer the strongest financial returns, while the university's other majors typically produce below-average graduate earnings.
How much debt do Ashland University graduates have?
Ashland graduates leave with a median debt of $25,000, which is manageable compared to many private schools. With average starting earnings, this debt load represents about 6-8 months of gross income for most graduates.
Does Ashland University have good job placement after graduation?
The university's 60.6% graduation rate is concerning, meaning 4 out of 10 students don't finish their degree. This completion rate is below the national average and suggests academic or financial challenges for many students.