Median Earnings (1yr)
$58,580
94th percentile (80th in OH)
Median Debt
$26,889
3% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.46
Manageable
Sample Size
48
Adequate data

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 nationwide—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 fluke—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

Ashland UniversityOther business administration, management and operations programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Ashland University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Ashland University graduates earn $59k, placing them in the 94th percentile of all business administration, management and operations bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (64 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Ashland University$58,580$62,979$26,8890.46
Miami University-Oxford$67,823$84,103$25,0000.37
University of Dayton$63,897$75,643$23,3640.37
Ohio State University-Main Campus$61,423$73,933$23,2500.38
Bowling Green State University-Main Campus$60,807$70,489$25,0000.41
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus$60,360$77,827$23,4520.39
National Median$45,703—$26,0000.57

Other Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs in Ohio

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Ohio schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Miami University-Oxford
Oxford
$17,809$67,823$25,000
University of Dayton
Dayton
$47,600$63,897$23,364
Ohio State University-Main Campus
Columbus
$12,859$61,423$23,250
Bowling Green State University-Main Campus
Bowling Green
$14,081$60,807$25,000
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
Cincinnati
$13,570$60,360$23,452

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.