Ashford University vs University of Silicon Valley
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, University of Silicon Valley comes out ahead: 23/100 to 6/100, a 17-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, University of Silicon Valley runs $27,815 a year against $31,266 at Ashford University - $3,451 more a year, or about $13,804 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, University of Silicon Valley graduates earn a median $51,017 against $35,404 at Ashford University. The cost earns itself back in 656.1 years at Ashford University and 15.7 years at University of Silicon Valley.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave University of Silicon Valley owing a median $31,000 versus $31,250 at Ashford University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.92 and 0.82 - 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 | University of Silicon Val... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $11,960 | $22,480 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $11,960 | $22,480 |
| Net Price (avg) | $31,266 | $27,815 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $125,064 | $111,260 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $34,000 | $37,600 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $35,404 | $51,017 |
| Graduation Rate | 10.7% | 28.7% |
| Payback Period | 656.1 yr | 15.7 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $31,250 | $31,000 |
| Monthly Payment | $331 | $329 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.92 | 0.82 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 42.1% | 57.1% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 29.3% | 73.2% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | N/A | 51.2% |
| Enrollment | 20,152 | 455 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Ashford University | University of Silico... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $31,009 | $24,350 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $31,862 | $27,140 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $33,319 | $28,102 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $32,953 | $28,144 |
| $110,001+ | $33,593 | $34,379 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Ashford University | University of Silico... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 7 | 27 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 7 | 36 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 8 | 13 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 1 | 10 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 4 | 14 |
| Overall ROI Score | 6 | 23 |
The Verdict
On the money, this one isn't close: University of Silicon Valley clearly outperforms Ashford University (23 vs 6), a 17-point gap driven by better earnings for what graduates paid. Unless Ashford University brings something that matters to you specifically - a standout program in your major, a full scholarship, or reasons beyond the money - the data points to University of Silicon Valley.
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Ashford University
Poor Value - Full profile and breakdown
University of Silicon Valley
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.