Ashford University vs Post University
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
On the numbers, Post University comes out ahead: 12/100 to 6/100, a 6-point edge over Ashford University. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, Post University runs $21,634 a year against $31,266 at Ashford University - $9,632 more a year, or about $38,528 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Post University graduates earn a median $38,696 against $35,404 at Ashford University. The cost earns itself back in 656.1 years at Ashford University and 61.3 years at Post University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Post University owing a median $30,157 versus $31,250 at Ashford University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.92 and 0.75 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
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 the clearly stronger ROI here (12 vs 6) - graduates earn more for what they paid, and the return is somewhat better. That said, if Ashford University is the stronger school for your intended major, that can outweigh the gap for you specifically.
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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.