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Ashland University

#471 in US ranking Ashland, OH
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Programs:
4 years or more

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Cost

Cost / year
$48,853
Tuition & fees
$33,220
Avg. aid
$15,266
Receiving aid
100%

Admissions

Acceptance rate
76%
SAT range
1035–1208
ACT range
20–25

Outcomes

Graduation rate
61%
Median salary
$45,005
1 yr after graduation

What is the history of Ashland University?

Ashland University began in 1878 as Ashland College, founded by members of the Brethren Church in Ashland, Ohio. Its development from a small church-affiliated college into a university helps explain why it combines undergraduate liberal arts and professional programs with graduate study and theological education.

Ashland Theological Seminary traces its origins to the early 20th century. The institution adopted the Ashland University name in 1989, reflecting a broader range of academic offerings. Later additions to its health-professions programs further expanded its scope. Today, applicants should distinguish among the university's undergraduate campus, professional programs, graduate programs and seminary: their admissions procedures and learning formats may differ.

What are the faculties and departments at Ashland University?

Ashland University organizes its programs across the College of Arts and Sciences, Dauch College of Business and Economics, Schar College of Education, Schar College of Nursing and Health Sciences, and Ashland Theological Seminary. It offers undergraduate and graduate credentials, with program availability varying by location and delivery format.

Undergraduates can explore fields such as biology, communication, criminal justice, education, nursing, psychology and business. The seminary serves students pursuing theological and ministry-related study. Professional paths warrant a closer look at their individual requirements: admission to the university does not necessarily mean admission to a clinical placement, teacher-preparation sequence or other selective program.

The reported student-to-faculty ratio is 14 to 1. That institution-wide figure is a useful starting point, but it does not tell applicants the size of a particular introductory lecture, laboratory or online class.

What is the location of Ashland University?

Ashland University's main campus is in Ashland, Ohio, a smaller city between the Cleveland and Columbus regions. Its setting is more closely tied to the surrounding community than to a major metropolitan transit system, so travel plans matter for students without a car.

First-year students are permitted to register or park a car on campus. Akron-Canton is a regional airport option, although route, ground-transportation and travel-time considerations may make another Ohio airport more practical for a particular trip. The university also offers some programs through online or other locations; applicants should confirm where their specific courses, clinical experiences or required visits take place.

What is the mission and vision of Ashland University?

Ashland University describes its educational purpose in terms of intellectual development, character and the formation of the whole person. Its Brethren heritage is part of its institutional identity, while its academic offerings include both religious and nonreligious fields.

Prospective students weighing that fit should separate the university's stated values from the requirements of an individual program. For example, study at Ashland Theological Seminary has a different academic and vocational focus from an undergraduate major in nursing or business. Official mission language expresses institutional aims; it is not, by itself, evidence that every student will have the same experience.

Ashland University Profile - Basic Information

Name of the institution

Ashland University

Level of institution

Four or more years

Control of institution

Private

Setting type

Town: Fringe

Institutional Category

Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or above

Institution size category

1,000 - 4,999

Religious affiliation

Protestant (Brethren Church)

School type

University

Main student body

Coeducational

Calendar system

Semesters

Foundation year

1878

Ashland University Accreditation

Ashland University is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation confirms that the school meets quality standards and is required for students to receive federal financial aid.

Ashland University Programs and Degrees

iconCertificate of less than 1 year
iconCertificate of at least 1 year, but less than 2 years
iconAssociate's degree
iconBachelor's degree
iconPostbaccalaureate certificate
iconMaster's degree
iconDoctor's degree - research/scholarship
iconDoctor's degree - professional practice

Data last updated on November 5, 2026

Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026

Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.