Muskingum University provides meaningful access to private higher education for students from diverse backgrounds, with strong support systems that benefit first-generation college students.
The university's nursing program stands out for career outcomes, while the overall experience emphasizes personal attention and community connections over maximum earnings potential.
Muskingum University is a small private nonprofit institution in New Concord, Ohio, that serves students seeking a personalized college experience in a tight-knit community setting. With 41% of students receiving Pell Grants and 36% being first-generation college students, Muskingum provides meaningful access to higher education for students from diverse economic backgrounds. The university maintains a 53% six-year graduation rate and offers a range of programs from nursing to business administration.
While Muskingum's graduates earn a median of $48,440 ten years after enrollment, which places the institution around the national average for earnings outcomes, the university's strength lies in its supportive environment and personal attention that comes with a small college setting. Students benefit from close faculty relationships and a strong sense of community that can be particularly valuable for first-generation college students navigating higher education.
As a private institution, Muskingum offers the intimate campus experience that many students seek, with net prices that remain relatively accessible compared to many private colleges. For students who prioritize the personal connections and individualized attention that come with a small college environment, Muskingum provides a solid foundation for career development, even if earnings outcomes are more modest than at larger research universities.
Muskingum University's program portfolio reflects a blend of practical, career-focused fields and traditional liberal arts disciplines. The nursing program stands out as both the highest-earning and most substantial program, with 29 graduates earning a median of $55,286 ten years after graduation. This represents the university's strongest pathway to above-average earnings and reflects the high demand for healthcare professionals in Ohio and beyond.
Business Administration and Management, with 25 graduates earning $42,363, serves as the university's largest program and provides a solid foundation for diverse career paths in Ohio's business landscape. The program offers practical skills and networking opportunities that translate into steady middle-class earnings for most graduates.
Other programs, including American History with 20 graduates earning $26,353, reflect Muskingum's liberal arts mission and commitment to broad-based education. While these fields show more modest financial returns, they often prepare students for careers in education, public service, and community organizations where the impact extends beyond salary considerations. The university's program mix emphasizes personal fulfillment and community service alongside career preparation.
Graduates of Muskingum University earn a median of $48,440 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution around the national average for long-term earnings outcomes. While this represents solid middle-class earning potential, graduates typically earn somewhat less than what similar students achieve at other institutions, reflecting the university's focus on fields that emphasize service and community impact over maximum salary potential.
The strongest financial returns come from Muskingum's nursing program, where 29 graduates earn a median of $55,286 ten years out, representing the university's highest aggregate return program. Business Administration and Management, the largest program with 25 graduates, produces median earnings of $42,363, providing solid career prospects in Ohio's business landscape. Other programs, including American History with 20 graduates earning $26,353, reflect the university's liberal arts mission but show more modest financial returns.
Muskingum's program portfolio emphasizes practical, career-focused fields alongside traditional liberal arts disciplines. The university's nursing program stands out for both enrollment and earnings, while business administration provides a foundation for diverse career paths. Students interested in education, social services, and community-oriented careers often find Muskingum's programs well-aligned with their goals, even if the financial returns are more moderate than those seen at larger research institutions.
Muskingum University offers relatively accessible pricing for a private institution, with net prices that vary significantly by family income level. Low-income students pay approximately $15,861 annually, while middle-income families see costs around $18,945 per year, and higher-income families pay about $23,476. These net prices reflect substantial financial aid that helps make private education more accessible to students from diverse economic backgrounds.
Debt levels at Muskingum require careful consideration, as typical graduates leave with $25,369 in federal student loan debt, which is higher than many public institutions but reasonable for a private college. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $18,187, representing an additional financial commitment for families who choose to contribute directly to their student's education. The combination of student and family borrowing reflects the higher cost structure of private education, even with significant financial aid.
With median earnings of $48,440 ten years after graduation, most Muskingum graduates can manage their debt obligations, though the monthly payments require careful budgeting. The loan repayment trajectory shows that borrowers make steady progress paying down their balances, with about 17% of borrowers fully paid off by year four. For families considering Muskingum, the key is ensuring that the total debt load aligns with expected career earnings and family financial capacity.
Muskingum University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
