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86.4%Acceptance
$31,440Tuition
1,407Students
53%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$48,440Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Presbyterian Church (USA)

About Muskingum University

Muskingum University has built its reputation around close faculty mentorship and strong teacher preparation programs since 1837. The 1,407 students experience the intimacy of a small college in rural Ohio, where personal attention drives academic success. With an 86% acceptance rate, Muskingum welcomes students who want to grow in a supportive Presbyterian-affiliated environment. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and career goals.

Students pay an average net price of $20,204 after financial aid, less than the sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $48,440 ten years after graduation, while carrying $25,369 in debt with monthly payments around $269. The 96% employment rate suggests strong career placement, though the investment requires patience as starting salaries average $36,592. Financial aid reaches 41% of students, making this education accessible to middle-class families.

The Fighting Muskies compete in 25 NCAA Division III sports with 640 total athletes, creating a campus where nearly half the student body plays varsity athletics. The 69% retention rate reflects the challenges of rural college life, but those who stay find a tight-knit community. With 82% of students from Ohio, Muskingum maintains strong regional roots and alumni networks throughout the state.

Academics & Faculty

Muskingum operates as a liberal arts college where students explore broad academic disciplines while developing critical thinking skills across multiple fields. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know students by name and provide individualized attention throughout their academic journey. Education remains the university's flagship program, preparing future teachers through hands-on classroom experiences and strong mentorship. Only 55.9% of students graduate in four years, reflecting the challenges many face in completing their degrees. The college emphasizes undergraduate teaching over research, meaning professors focus primarily on instruction rather than publishing. Students benefit from small class sizes and close relationships with faculty who serve as both instructors and academic advisors.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
13:1
Full-Time Faculty
100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
55.9%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
52.7%
Retention Rate
68.9%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$48,440
Carnegie Classification
Master's University (Small)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Bachelor $55,286
Accounting and Related Services. Bachelor $46,790
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Bachelor $42,363
Business/Commerce, General. Bachelor $41,937
Marketing. Bachelor $41,342
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. Bachelor $33,993
Special Education and Teaching. Bachelor $33,281
Criminal Justice and Corrections. Bachelor $32,772
Health and Physical Education/Fitness. Bachelor $30,771
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. Bachelor $30,305

View all 64 programs →

Campus Life

New Concord sits in rural southeastern Ohio, about 70 miles east of Columbus and surrounded by rolling farmland. You'll definitely need a winter coat here, as Ohio winters bring snow and freezing temperatures from December through March. With housing for 1,014 students and total enrollment of 1,407, roughly 72% of students live on campus in residence halls that create a close-knit community feel.

The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, and you'll likely see familiar faces everywhere on the compact campus. Weekend activities center around the 25 varsity sports teams, with Fighting Muskies athletics drawing crowds despite being Division III with no athletic scholarships. Students often head to nearby Zanesville for shopping and dining, though many stay on campus for residence hall programming and intramural sports. With 640 total athletes out of 1,407 students, nearly half the campus participates in varsity athletics. The Presbyterian heritage influences campus culture subtly, creating an atmosphere that values community service and personal growth alongside academics.
Setting
Rural-Distant
Housing Capacity
1,014 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1837

Campus Safety (2023)

27 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Rape 7 7 0 0
Stalking 4 2 0 0
Dating Violence 1 1 0 0
Domestic Violence 1 1 0 0
Fondling 1 1 0 0
Aggravated Assault 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
20°–38°F
July Avg
62°–85°F
Annual Precipitation
41.3"
Annual Snowfall
17.4"

Student Demographics

Muskingum draws heavily from Ohio, with 82% of students staying close to home for this small Presbyterian liberal arts experience. The student body leans slightly female, reflecting the university's strength in education and social work programs that traditionally attract more women. With 41% of students receiving Pell Grants, Muskingum serves a significant population of first-generation and working-class families seeking an affordable private education. The overwhelmingly white student population mirrors rural Ohio demographics, creating a tight-knit community where students often know each other across class years and academic programs.
Men
45.7%
Women
54.3%
White
82.4%
Black
7.3%
Hispanic
2.8%
Asian
0.6%
In-State Students
81.8%
Pell Grant Recipients
41.1%

Location

New Concord sits in southeastern Ohio, about 70 miles east of Columbus. This rural community of fewer than 3,000 residents revolves around Muskingum's campus. The rolling hills of Appalachian Ohio create a quiet setting where 81.77% of students come from in-state. The nearest shopping and entertainment options require a drive to Cambridge or Zanesville. Small-town charm defines daily life here, with local businesses catering to the college community. The campus houses 1,014 students in residence halls, creating a close-knit atmosphere typical of rural college towns. Students considering colleges in Ohio may also compare Muskingum University with similar schools in the region.
Address
New Concord, Ohio 43762-1837
Baldwin Wallace Yellow Jackets vs. Muskingum Fighting Muskies
Baldwin Wallace Yellow Jackets vs. Muskingum Fighting Muskies

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$48,440
Median Earnings (5 years)
$49,317
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$34,400
Loan Repayment Rate
65.7%
Monthly Loan Payment
$269/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,369

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Muskingum University?

Muskingum University accepts 86.39% of applicants, making it accessible for most students who apply. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 950-1120 on the SAT. This Presbyterian-affiliated liberal arts college welcomes students seeking a close-knit academic community.

How much does Muskingum University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $20,204 annually after financial aid, less than the full tuition of $31,440. About 41% of students receive Pell Grants, and graduates leave with a median debt of $25,369. The school provides substantial financial support to make education more affordable.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Muskingum University?

Muskingum maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio with total enrollment of 1,407 students. This small liberal arts environment allows for personalized attention and close relationships between professors and students. The intimate setting supports the school's reputation for strong education programs.

What are the career outcomes for Muskingum University graduates?

Graduates earn a median salary of $48,440 ten years after graduation, with a 96.4% employment rate. The four-year graduation rate stands at 55.9%, reflecting the supportive but challenging academic environment. Monthly loan payments average $269, manageable given the career preparation students receive.

Where is Muskingum University located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in rural New Concord, Ohio, housing 1,014 students in on-campus facilities. With 640 athletes competing in 25 NCAA Division III sports, athletic participation shapes much of campus culture. The Fighting Muskies compete in the Ohio Athletic Conference, creating strong school spirit in this tight-knit community.

How diverse is the student body at Muskingum University?

The student population is 82.37% white with 7.32% Black students and smaller percentages of other ethnicities. Women make up 54.3% of the 1,407 enrolled students, while 81.77% come from Ohio. Founded in 1837, this Presbyterian heritage contributes to the traditional campus culture and values-based education approach.