Median Earnings (1yr)
$58,580
94th percentile
80th percentile in Ohio
Median Debt
$26,889
3% above national median

Analysis

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 nationwideβ€”and 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 flukeβ€”graduates 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

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
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)

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Ashland UniversityAshland$28,910$58,580$62,979$26,8890.46
Miami University-OxfordOxford$17,809$67,823$84,103$25,0000.37
University of DaytonDayton$47,600$63,897$75,643$23,3640.37
Ohio State University-Main CampusColumbus$12,859$61,423$73,933$23,2500.38
Bowling Green State University-Main CampusBowling Green$14,081$60,807$70,489$25,0000.41
University of Cincinnati-Main CampusCincinnati$13,570$60,360$77,827$23,4520.39
National Medianβ€”$45,703β€”$26,0000.57

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with business administration, management and operations graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

$171,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Natural Sciences Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Research Coordinators

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Water Resource Specialists

Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Compensation and Benefits Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate compensation and benefits activities of an organization.

$140,360/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Human Resources Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate human resources activities and staff of an organization.

$140,030/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Sales Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the actual distribution or movement of a product or service to the customer. Coordinate sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas, and goals and establish training programs for sales representatives. Analyze sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and monitor the preferences of customers.

$138,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
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.