Muskingum University
Muskingum University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Muskingum University at a Glance
Muskingum University is a private university in New Concord, Ohio, United States. Chartered in 1837 as Muskingum College, the institution is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA). New Concord is located in far eastern Muskingum County, which derives its name from the Muskingum River. It offers more than 60 undergraduate majors and graduate programs and enrolled 2,100 students in 2023. Muskingum's campus consists of 21 buildings, a football stadium, and a small lake which all sit atop 225…
1837
189 years old
$101M
$101.1 million (2025)
2,108
1,524 undergrad · 584 grad
225 acres
Identity
Is Muskingum University Worth It?
At a value score of 34/100, Muskingum University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $48,440 — 10% below average — while paying $19,532/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.6 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 55% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $25,369 representing 52% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Muskingum University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Muskingum University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in OH
Ranked #43 of 118 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 Peter's University | 72 | $12,199 | $57,815 |
| #2 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #3 | Goldey-Beacom College | 56 | $15,554 | $59,892 |
| #4 | Goshen College | 56 | $14,493 | $51,943 |
| #5 | Ursuline College | 53 | $16,164 | $56,878 |
| #6 | Waynesburg University | 50 | $18,235 | $58,537 |
| #43 | Muskingum University | 34 | $19,532 | $48,440 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Muskingum University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 6 in OH.
Best Programs at Muskingum University
The highest-earning program at Muskingum University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $55,000/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Psychology, General at $27,600/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Muskingum University earns $55,000, while a Psychology, General graduate earns $27,600. 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. $27,000 for Psychology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $19,532/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 | $55,000 | $55,000 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $38,600 | $38,600 | $25,459 |
| Marketing | $38,300 | $38,300 | $25,729 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $30,700 | $30,700 | $27,500 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $29,100 | $29,100 | $28,000 |
| Psychology, General | $27,600 | $27,600 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in OH
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- New Concord, OH
- Student Body
- 1,376 students
- Admission Rate
- 82%
- Graduation Rate
- 55%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $19,532
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $48,440
- Median Student Debt
- $25,369