University of Mount Union
University of Mount Union — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
University of Mount Union at a Glance
The University of Mount Union is a private liberal arts university in Alliance, Ohio, United States. Founded in 1846, the university was affiliated with the Methodist Church until 2019. It had an enrollment of 2,100 students as of 2023.
1846
180 years old
$188M
$187.7 million (2025)
2,169
1,927 undergrad · 242 grad
115 acres
Identity
Is University of Mount Union Worth It?
At a value score of 35/100, University of Mount Union is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $53,217 — 1% below average — while paying $23,280/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 62% graduation rate means roughly 38% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
With median debt of $27,000 representing 51% 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 University of Mount Union has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How University of Mount Union compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in OH
Ranked #63 of 160 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 | Christian Brothers University | 81 | $9,854 | $57,478 |
| #2 | Saint Xavier University | 77 | $10,970 | $58,656 |
| #3 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #4 | Holy Family University | 72 | $13,143 | $62,235 |
| #5 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #6 | Niagara University | 59 | $17,248 | $56,196 |
| #63 | University of Mount Union | 35 | $23,280 | $53,217 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of University of Mount Union's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 11 in OH.
Best Programs at University of Mount Union
The highest-earning program at University of Mount Union is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $41,600/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Health and Physical Education/Fitness at $23,100/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate from University of Mount Union earns $41,600, while a Health and Physical Education/Fitness graduate earns $23,100. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Business Administration, Management and Operations graduates carry $27,000 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Health and Physical Education/Fitness.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $23,280/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $41,600 | $41,600 | $27,000 |
| Marketing | $41,000 | $41,000 | $26,848 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $32,700 | $32,700 | $27,000 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $32,600 | $32,600 | $27,000 |
| Special Education and Teaching | $31,300 | $31,300 | N/A |
| Psychology, General | $24,600 | $24,600 | $27,000 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $23,100 | $23,100 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in OH
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Alliance, OH
- Student Body
- 1,995 students
- Admission Rate
- 78%
- Graduation Rate
- 62%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $23,280
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $53,217
- Median Student Debt
- $27,000