At $20,204/yr net price, Muskingum University graduates earn $48,440/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $14,440/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $20,204 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $80,816 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $48,440/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$14,440/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 52.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,369 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $15,861/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $16,959/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,945/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,619/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,476/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $55,286 | $27,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $46,790 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $42,363 | $26,000 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $41,937 | |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $41,342 | $26,374 |
| 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 | $27,000 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $30,771 | $26,827 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $30,305 | $21,500 |
The Risk Factor
52.7% of students at Muskingum University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Muskingum University offers moderate financial returns with significant risks tied to its low graduation rate. The $48,440 median earnings after ten years provide a reasonable but unspectacular return on the $20,204 annual net price, but only if you actually graduate.
The nursing program stands out as your best financial bet, delivering $55,286 in median earnings with manageable debt levels. Business-related majors cluster in the low-to-mid $40,000 range, which represents decent value given the school's modest costs. Accounting edges ahead of general business administration and marketing programs.
Your biggest financial risk at Muskingum is not finishing. The 52.7% graduation rate means nearly half of students leave without a degree but often with debt. The 68.9% freshman retention rate signals early struggles that could derail your investment.
Muskingum works financially for students who need a smaller, supportive environment and can commit to finishing their degree. The nursing program specifically offers strong career prospects in Ohio's healthcare market. Business majors can expect steady but unremarkable returns.
Avoid Muskingum if you're unsure about your major or college readiness. The combination of moderate costs and poor completion rates creates a dangerous scenario where you accumulate debt without earning a degree. Students seeking high-earning potential should look elsewhere, as even the top programs here lag behind what stronger regional universities offer.
With 41% of students receiving aid, merit scholarships may be available, but the school's financial aid strategy appears standard for small Ohio private colleges. Focus on securing maximum aid if you choose Muskingum, as reducing your debt load becomes critical given the graduation rate concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Muskingum University worth the cost?
Muskingum University's ROI is mixed, with nursing graduates earning $55,286 but other majors averaging around $42,000-46,000 annually. The $25,369 median debt is manageable, but the 53% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't finish their degree.
What programs at Muskingum University have the best job prospects?
Nursing programs offer the strongest returns at Muskingum University, with graduates earning $55,286 compared to business majors who average $41,000-46,000. Accounting provides decent middle-ground earnings at $46,790.
How much debt do Muskingum University students graduate with?
Muskingum University graduates have a median debt of $25,369, which is reasonable given the $20,204 annual net price. However, this assumes you graduate - the 53% completion rate means many students may accumulate debt without earning a degree.
Do Muskingum University graduates earn enough to pay off their loans?
Most Muskingum University graduates can manage their debt, earning $48,440 annually against $25,369 in loans. Nursing majors do better with $55,286 salaries, while other business majors may struggle more with lower starting wages around $41,000-42,000.