Ashford University vs Post University
Side-by-side ROI comparison using U.S. Department of Education data. Which school delivers a better financial return?
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
Post University holds a 6-point ROI advantage over Ashford University, scoring 12/100 versus 6/100. That gap reflects meaningful differences in how costs, earnings, and debt stack up for graduates of each institution.
On cost, Post University comes in at $21,634 per year (net price after aid) versus $31,266 at Ashford University - a difference of $9,632 annually, or roughly $38,528 over four years.
Ten years after enrollment, Post University graduates earn a median of $38,696 compared to $35,404 at Ashford University. The payback period is 656.1 years at Ashford University versus 61.3 years at Post University.
Graduates leave Post University with a median $30,157 in debt versus $31,250 at Ashford University. The debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.92 and 0.75 respectively - financial advisors generally recommend staying below 1.0.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | Ashford University | Post University |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $11,960 | $16,327 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $11,960 | $16,327 |
| Net Price (avg) | $31,266 | $21,634 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $125,064 | $86,536 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $34,000 | $40,000 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $35,404 | $38,696 |
| Graduation Rate | 10.7% | 24.9% |
| Payback Period | 656.1 yr | 61.3 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $31,250 | $30,157 |
| Monthly Payment | $331 | $320 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.92 | 0.75 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 42.1% | 55.3% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 29.3% | 36.3% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | N/A | N/A |
| Enrollment | 20,152 | 13,603 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Ashford University | Post University |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $31,009 | $22,103 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $31,862 | $20,586 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $33,319 | $19,822 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $32,953 | $16,362 |
| $110,001+ | $33,593 | $13,127 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Ashford University | Post University |
|---|---|---|
| Management Information Systems | $77,907 | $74,249 |
| Marketing | $66,307 | $74,201 |
| Accounting | $61,522 | $73,190 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $71,782 | $69,512 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $64,426 | $69,363 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $60,144 | $58,913 |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $51,665 | $55,606 |
| Psychology | $48,325 | $49,393 |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services | $44,852 | $44,643 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Ashford University | Post University |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 7 | 11 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 7 | 11 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 8 | 20 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 1 | 7 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 4 | 12 |
| Overall ROI Score | 6 | 12 |
The Verdict
Post University has a meaningfully higher ROI score (12 vs 6). Graduates earn more relative to cost, and the financial return is somewhat stronger. That said, if Ashford University offers a significantly better program in your intended major, it could still be the better financial choice for you specifically.
Want to personalize these numbers?
The ROI calculator lets you plug in your financial aid, intended major, and living situation for a tailored comparison.
Ashford University
Poor Value - Full profile and breakdown
Post University
Poor Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.