Ashland University vs University of Mount Union: which has better ROI?
University of Mount Union has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $93,120 in 19.2 years versus 19.3 years at Ashland University, on median earnings of $53,217 vs $52,928 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Ashland University | University of Mount Union |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $21,988 | $23,280 |
| Total net cost | $87,952 | $93,120 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $52,928 | $53,217 |
| Median debt | $25,000 | $27,000 |
| Payback | 19.3 yrs | 19.2 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $3,408 | $4,020 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Ashland University or University of Mount Union?
Ashland University, at $21,988 a year after aid versus $23,280 — a gap of $1,292 a year, or $5,168 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Ashland University or University of Mount Union graduates earn more?
University of Mount Union graduates report a median $53,217 ten years after entry, $289 more than the $52,928 at Ashland 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, Ashland University or University of Mount Union?
Ashland University: its completers carry a median $25,000 in federal loans versus $27,000 at University of Mount Union, a difference of $2,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
61% of students finish at Ashland University, against 59% at University of Mount Union. 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.