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Franklin University vs Ashland University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Columbus OH · vs · Private nonprofit, Ashland OH

The verdict

Ashland University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $87,952 in 19.3 years versus 28.6 years at Franklin University, on median earnings of $52,928 vs $51,892 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureFranklin UniversityAshland University
Net price / yr$25,243$21,988
Total net cost$100,972$87,952
Median earnings, 10 yrs$51,892$52,928
Median debt$20,836$25,000
Payback28.6 yrs19.3 yrs
20-year net return-$30,332$3,408

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

Which is cheaper, Franklin University or Ashland University?

Ashland University, at $21,988 a year after aid versus $25,243 — a gap of $3,255 a year, or $13,020 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Franklin University or Ashland University graduates earn more?

Ashland University graduates report a median $52,928 ten years after entry, $1,036 more than the $51,892 at Franklin 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, Franklin University or Ashland University?

Franklin University: its completers carry a median $20,836 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Ashland University, a difference of $4,164. 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 11% at Franklin 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.

Franklin University vs Ashland University: frequently asked questions

Is Franklin University or Ashland University a better value?
Ashland University. It clears its $87,952 net cost in about 19.3 years versus 28.6 years at Franklin University, on median earnings of $52,928 vs $51,892 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Franklin University or Ashland University?
Ashland University: $21,988/yr net price after aid versus $25,243/yr at Franklin University — a difference of $3,255 a year, or about $13,020 over four years.
Do Franklin University or Ashland University graduates earn more?
Ashland University graduates earn a median $52,928 ten years after entry, versus $51,892 at Franklin University — a $1,036 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.