Ashland University
Ashland University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Ashland University at a Glance
Ashland University is a private university in Ashland, Ohio, United States. The university consists of a 135-acre (55 ha) main campus and several off-campus centers throughout central and northern Ohio. Ashland was founded in 1878 as Ashland College. It is affiliated with The Brethren Church.
1878
148 years old
$48M
$47.6 million (2020)
4,143
188
135 acres
Identity
Is Ashland University Worth It?
At a value score of 36/100, Ashland University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $52,928 — 2% below average — while paying $21,988/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.7 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 61% graduation rate means roughly 39% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Ashland University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Ashland University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in OH
Ranked #64 of 156 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Saint Xavier University | 77 | $10,970 | $58,656 |
| #2 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #3 | Holy Family University | 72 | $13,143 | $62,235 |
| #4 | Carroll University | 67 | $15,193 | $58,009 |
| #5 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #6 | Canisius University | 58 | $17,940 | $60,681 |
| #64 | Ashland University | 36 | $21,988 | $52,928 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Ashland University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 12 in OH.
Best Programs at Ashland University
The highest-earning program at Ashland University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $55,800/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Biology, General at $22,300/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Ashland University earns $55,800, while a Biology, General graduate earns $22,300. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $27,000 in median debt vs. $25,000 for Biology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $21,988/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $55,800 | $55,800 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $44,900 | $44,900 | $27,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $36,800 | $36,800 | $23,250 |
| Special Education and Teaching | $33,800 | $33,800 | $24,250 |
| Political Science and Government | $31,200 | $31,200 | $26,000 |
| History | $30,900 | $30,900 | $24,250 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $29,800 | $29,800 | $27,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $28,500 | $28,500 | $27,000 |
| Biology, General | $22,300 | $22,300 | $25,000 |
Similar Colleges in OH
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Ashland, OH
- Student Body
- 2,199 students
- Admission Rate
- 76%
- Graduation Rate
- 61%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $21,988
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $52,928
- Median Student Debt
- $25,000