Ashford University
San Diego, California · Private For-Profit
ROI Score: 6/100 · Poor Value
Ashford University
Poor ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $11,960/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $11,960/yr |
| Average net price | $31,266/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $125,064 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $35,404 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $34,000 |
| Median debt at graduation | $31,250 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $331 |
| Estimated payback period | 656.1 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 10.7% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 20,152 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $31,009 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $31,862 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $33,319 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $32,953 |
| $110,001+ | $33,593 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Ashford University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $71,782 | C |
| Teacher Education | $43,748 | F |
| Psychology | $48,325 | F |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $53,801 | D |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $60,144 | D |
| Human Resources Management | $65,002 | D |
| Accounting | $61,522 | D |
| Behavioral Sciences | $45,157 | F |
| Finance and Financial Management | $64,426 | C+ |
| Sociology | $51,004 | D |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Ashford University is $11,960/year. But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $31,266/year, or roughly $125,064 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $31,009/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $33,593/year.
The median graduate leaves with $31,250 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $331 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $35,404 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.92 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 34.1% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 42.1% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 29.3% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 36.7% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Enrollment | 20,152 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 32.1% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $7,113 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ashford University (this school) | 6 | $31,266 | $35,404 |
| University of Silicon Valley | 23 | $27,815 | $51,017 |
| Full Sail University | 13 | $38,875 | $38,219 |
| Post University | 12 | $21,634 | $38,696 |
| Academy of Art University | 10 | $40,613 | $39,008 |
| Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs | 9 | $16,745 | $37,180 |
The Verdict: The Numbers Don't Add Up
The financial data raises serious concerns about Ashford University. With a net cost of $31,266 per year and median graduate earnings of only $35,404 ten years out, the payback period stretches to 656.1 years. For most students, the financial return does not justify the cost.
Areas of concern include weak earnings relative to cost and a 10.7% graduation rate and high debt relative to what graduates earn and concerning loan repayment rates and a long payback period.
Median debt of $31,250 against $35,404 in earnings is concerning. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.88 exceeds the commonly recommended threshold. Major choice is critical here.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.