Students at Asbury University benefit from strong loan repayment patterns, with graduates paying down debt faster than national averages and maintaining excellent repayment records.
The university combines this financial responsibility with meaningful access for students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds seeking a faith-based education.
Asbury University is a small private nonprofit institution in Kentucky that serves students seeking a distinctive Christian liberal arts education. While the university doesn't rank among the top performers nationally for earnings outcomes, it offers a focused educational experience with strong community bonds and personal attention that many students value. About 26% of students receive Pell Grants and 24% are first-generation college students, reflecting moderate access levels for a private institution.
Graduates earn a median of $42,368 ten years after enrollment, which places the university in the lower third nationally for long-term earnings. The institution's outcomes reflect its mission as a liberal arts college rather than a career-focused university, with many graduates entering fields like education, ministry, and social services that prioritize service over high salaries. The university maintains a 65% six-year graduation rate and demonstrates solid loan repayment patterns, with borrowers paying down balances faster than national averages.
As an "Opportunity Builders" institution, Asbury provides meaningful access for students from diverse backgrounds while working to improve outcomes for low-income students. The university's strength lies in its tight-knit community, faith-based mission, and commitment to developing students personally and spiritually alongside their academic growth.
Asbury University's program portfolio reflects its mission as a Christian liberal arts institution, with strongest enrollment in education, ministry, and service-oriented fields. Adult and Continuing Education leads with 32 graduates earning around $33,382 in early career, while Exercise Science and Kinesiology enrolls 28 students with more modest starting earnings around $20,140. These programs align with the university's emphasis on preparing students for careers in teaching, ministry, health services, and community leadership.
The earnings patterns across programs show the trade-offs inherent in Asbury's mission-driven approach. While graduates may earn less than peers at career-focused institutions, they often find meaningful work that aligns with their values and calling. The university's strength lies in developing students for service rather than maximizing financial returns, which appeals to students who prioritize purpose over profit in their career choices.
Program scale remains small across all fields, reflecting the university's intimate educational environment where students receive personal attention and mentorship. This boutique approach creates strong relationships and community bonds but limits the alumni network size and employer recruitment reach compared with larger institutions.
Graduates of Asbury University earn a median of $42,368 ten years after enrollment, which places the institution below national averages for long-term earnings. This reflects the university's liberal arts mission and the career paths many graduates choose, often prioritizing service and ministry over maximum financial returns. The earnings pattern shows graduates typically start with modest salaries that grow steadily but remain in the lower ranges compared with larger research universities or technical institutions.
The university's program mix centers on education, ministry, and liberal arts fields that align with its Christian mission. Adult and Continuing Education represents one of the largest programs with 32 graduates earning around $33,382 early in their careers, while Exercise Science and Kinesiology enrolls 28 students with starting earnings around $20,140. These programs reflect Asbury's focus on preparing students for service-oriented careers in education, health, and community leadership rather than high-earning technical or business fields.
While absolute earnings are modest, many Asbury graduates find meaningful work that aligns with their values and calling. The university's emphasis on character development, faith integration, and service preparation creates value that extends beyond immediate financial returns, though families should understand that career earnings will likely be lower than at institutions focused on business, engineering, or other high-paying fields.
Affordability at Asbury University varies significantly by family income, with the institution providing substantial aid to lower-income students while remaining expensive for middle and upper-income families. Low-income students pay about $15,895 annually after aid, which is competitive for a private college, while middle-income families face costs around $20,098 per year. High-income families pay approximately $26,463, reflecting the university's high sticker price typical of small private institutions.
Debt levels are moderate but meaningful for most graduates. Typical students leave with about $24,028 in federal student loan debt, while families who use Parent PLUS loans borrow an average of $17,018. These amounts are manageable compared with many private colleges, though they represent a significant financial commitment given the university's modest earnings outcomes. The institution maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates generally manage their debt obligations successfully despite lower average earnings.
The key affordability consideration is whether families can justify the private college premium given Asbury's earnings outcomes. While the university provides meaningful financial aid and maintains reasonable debt levels, the combination of moderate earnings and private college costs means families should carefully weigh the value of the distinctive Christian education experience against more affordable public alternatives that might offer stronger financial returns.
Asbury University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
