Business Administration, Management and Operations at Ashland University
Bachelor's Degree
ashland.eduAnalysis
Ashland University's business program punches well above its weight. Starting at $58,580 just one year out, graduates earn more than all but six percent of business programs nationwideβand they're doing this with debt that's slightly below the national average. That's a powerful combination for a school with an 81% admission rate.
The Ohio comparison is particularly telling. Among 64 business programs in the state, Ashland ranks in the 80th percentile for earnings, putting it ahead of well-known public universities. While Miami and Dayton graduates edge higher, Ashland's outcomes nearly match Ohio State's at what's likely a fraction of the cost. The debt load of $26,889 is typical for the state, meaning students aren't paying a premium for these strong outcomes.
The earnings trajectory tells you this isn't just a flukeβgraduates see their pay grow to nearly $63,000 by year four, suggesting they're building real career momentum. For families looking at Ohio's business programs, Ashland delivers top-quartile results without the competition or price tag of the flagship schools. That's straightforward value that's hard to argue with.
Where Ashland University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Ashland University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ashland University | $58,580 | $62,979 | +8% |
| Miami University-Oxford | $67,823 | $84,103 | +24% |
| University of Cincinnati-Main Campus | $60,360 | $77,827 | +29% |
| University of Dayton | $63,897 | $75,643 | +18% |
| Ohio State University-Main Campus | $61,423 | $73,933 | +20% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (64 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $28,910 | $58,580 | $62,979 | $26,889 | 0.46 | |
| $17,809 | $67,823 | $84,103 | $25,000 | 0.37 | |
| $47,600 | $63,897 | $75,643 | $23,364 | 0.37 | |
| $12,859 | $61,423 | $73,933 | $23,250 | 0.38 | |
| $14,081 | $60,807 | $70,489 | $25,000 | 0.41 | |
| $13,570 | $60,360 | $77,827 | $23,452 | 0.39 | |
| National Median | β | $45,703 | β | $26,000 | 0.57 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business administration, management and operations graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Compensation and Benefits Managers
Human Resources Managers
Sales Managers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Ashland University, approximately 28% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 48 graduates with reported earnings and 51 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.