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Asbury University vs Kentucky State University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Wilmore KY · vs · Public, Frankfort KY

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Asbury University comes closer — median earnings $42,368 against a $85,604 total, vs $36,382 at Kentucky State University. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureAsbury UniversityKentucky State University
Net price / yr$21,401$8,040
Total net cost$85,604$32,160
Median earnings, 10 yrs$42,368$36,382
Median debt$24,028$25,938
Payback
20-year net return-$205,444-$271,720

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Asbury University or Kentucky State University?

Kentucky State University, at $8,040 a year after aid versus $21,401 — a gap of $13,361 a year, or $53,444 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Asbury University or Kentucky State University graduates earn more?

Asbury University graduates report a median $42,368 ten years after entry, $5,986 more than the $36,382 at Kentucky State University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Asbury University or Kentucky State University?

Asbury University: its completers carry a median $24,028 in federal loans versus $25,938 at Kentucky State University, a difference of $1,910. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

65% of students finish at Asbury University, against 32% at Kentucky State University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Asbury University vs Kentucky State University: frequently asked questions

Is Asbury University or Kentucky State University a better value?
Asbury University comes closer, but neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings — the field you study decides it here more than the school.
Which is cheaper, Asbury University or Kentucky State University?
Kentucky State University: $8,040/yr net price after aid versus $21,401/yr at Asbury University — a difference of $13,361 a year, or about $53,444 over four years.
Do Asbury University or Kentucky State University graduates earn more?
Asbury University graduates earn a median $42,368 ten years after entry, versus $36,382 at Kentucky State University — a $5,986 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.