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Ashland University: Ashland University view in Ashland Ohio
Photo: Ll1324, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Christian college

Ashland University

Ashland, OH · Private nonprofit · 4-year · Brethren Church (historic role) · Mennonite and Brethren

Ashland University is a private, comprehensive university in Ashland, Ohio, guided by its Christian heritage and historically connected to the Brethren Church. Its Office of Christian Ministry lists weekly worship and study on campus, including Thursday night The Well and Wednesday Newman Nights in the Lower Chapel, a Sunday service by Five Stones Community Church, small groups and Bible studies, and mission trips each year. The university offers a religion minor and a Christian ministry minor, and its core includes a religion area.

Faith life at a glance

In the college’s own words

  • “Almost every night of the week you can find worship or study options on campus.”

    Source: ashland.edu

  • “The Isaiah Project equips AU students to love and serve in the name of Jesus.”

    Source: ashland.edu

Questions students ask

What's a normal week?

Almost every night there are worship or study options on campus, including The Well on Thursdays at 8 p.m.

Source: ashland.edu
Where do I find community?

Small groups and Bible studies are offered, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes meets Tuesdays at 9 p.m.

Source: ashland.edu
Can I serve or go on mission trips?

Students can serve through The Isaiah Project and join The Well's trips to partner with a local ministry center.

Source: ashland.edu

Rankings

Where this college places on our top lists. Lists are worked out from official data and our faith research; places in the top quarter of each list are shown. See every list

In America

Academic Excellence

BAcademic Excellence: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
65 of 100
From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

  • Graduation rate 35% of scoreThis measure counts for 35% of the Academic Excellence score.61%
  • First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.77%
  • Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.SAT 1,120 · ACT 22.5
  • Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.14 to 1
  • Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.$11,063

Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed.

Source: College Scorecard (College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026))

Faith scorecard

Each area’s grade and what we found. Tap an area to see the findings and their sources.

BWorship and chapel: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Worship and chapel

81 of 100 points · 5 of 7 found

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Chapel services during the weekTwice a week (Two weekday worship services in the Lower Chapel: Newman Nights on Wednesday and The Well on Thursday.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Office of Christian Ministry | Ashlandashland.edu/office-christian-ministry · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The Well: Thursdays at 8 p.m. in the Lower Chapel”
      The Well worship is held Thursdays at 8 p.m. in the Lower Chapel.
      “Newman Nights: Wednesdays at 7 p.m. in the Lower Chapel”
      Newman Nights, a Catholic campus ministry worship night, is held Wednesdays at 7 p.m. in the Lower Chapel.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Chapel attendance expected of studentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Student worship nights or praise servicesEvery week (The Well and Newman Nights are held every week; the office says worship or study options are available almost every night.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Office of Christian Ministry | Ashlandashland.edu/office-christian-ministry · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The Well: Thursdays at 8 p.m. in the Lower Chapel”
      The Well worship is held Thursdays at 8 p.m. in the Lower Chapel.
      “Newman Nights: Wednesdays at 7 p.m. in the Lower Chapel”
      Newman Nights, a Catholic campus ministry worship night, is held Wednesdays at 7 p.m. in the Lower Chapel.
      “Almost every night of the week you can find worship or study options on campus. There are also service projects, mission trips and spiritual retreats throughout the year.”
      Worship, study, service, mission trips and retreats are offered through the year.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Prayer opportunities (prayer rooms, prayer groups, days or weeks of prayer)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Campus pastors or chaplains serving studentsFull-time campus pastor or chaplain (A named campus pastor, chaplain or dean of chapel serves students on the college staff.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Office of Christian Ministry | Ashlandashland.edu/office-christian-ministry · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Josh Sumpter, D.Min. Executive Director, Office of Christian Ministry; University Chaplain Lower Level - Jack & Deb Miller Chapel jsumpter@ashland.edu 419-289-5624”
      Josh Sumpter is Executive Director of the Office of Christian Ministry and University Chaplain.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    A chapel or worship space on campusYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Office of Christian Ministry | Ashlandashland.edu/office-christian-ministry · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Members of the Ashland University community may reserve Upper and Lower Chapel for events and gatherings.”
      The Upper and Lower Chapels are available for campus events.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Published weekly schedule of chapel, worship and prayer3 or 4 times a week (4 weekly times documented: 2 chapel, 2 worship night, 0 prayer.)Computed from the verified chapel services, worship nights and prayer times listed on the college's page (each day a time is offered counts once).
N/ABible and theology: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Bible and theology

Not enough information · 1 of 6 found

  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Bible or theology courses required of all bachelor's studentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Required courses include study of the Old and New TestamentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Christian worldview or faith-and-learning courses requiredNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in academic or faculty policy)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Bible, theology or ministry major offeredOffered as a minor or concentration (A religion minor (four classes) and a Christian ministry minor are offered.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Religion Minors | Ashlandashland.edu/religion-minors · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The religion minor is designed to fit into your schedule whatever your major and interests.”
      A religion minor is offered.
      “Then the minor in Christian ministry is for you.”
      A Christian ministry minor is offered.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    A published statement of faithNot enough information: not found in official sources.
BChristian community: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Christian community

77 of 100 points · 4 of 7 found

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Spiritual life staff (pastors, ministers and professional staff)3 to 4 (Four Protestant ministry staff listed: University Chaplain, The Well Campus Minister, FCA Assistant Athletics Chaplain and Coalition for Christian Outreach Campus Minister. The Catholic campus minister is not counted.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Office of Christian Ministry | Ashlandashland.edu/office-christian-ministry · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Josh Sumpter, D.Min. Executive Director, Office of Christian Ministry; University Chaplain Lower Level - Jack & Deb Miller Chapel jsumpter@ashland.edu 419-289-5624”
      Josh Sumpter is Executive Director of the Office of Christian Ministry and University Chaplain.
      “The Well Campus Minister”
      A campus minister leads The Well.
      “ocm@ashland.edu 419-207-6100”
      The Office of Christian Ministry publishes a general email and phone number.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Retreats or spiritual emphasis weeks each yearOne or two (Spiritual retreats are offered throughout the year; the lower level is recorded.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Office of Christian Ministry | Ashlandashland.edu/office-christian-ministry · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Almost every night of the week you can find worship or study options on campus. There are also service projects, mission trips and spiritual retreats throughout the year.”
      Worship, study, service, mission trips and retreats are offered through the year.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Bible studies, small groups and Christian student organizationsMany (Small groups and Bible studies, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Coalition for Christian Outreach and The Well.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Office of Christian Ministry | Ashlandashland.edu/office-christian-ministry · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Small Groups and bible studies”
      Small groups and Bible studies are offered.
      “Fellowship of Christian Athletes: Tuesdays at 9 p.m. in Redwood Hall”
      Fellowship of Christian Athletes meets Tuesdays at 9 p.m.
      “Five Stones Community Church: Sundays at 10:30 a.m. in the Upper Chapel”
      Five Stones Community Church meets Sundays at 10:30 a.m. in the Upper Chapel.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faculty affirm the college's statement of faithNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faith life in residence halls (hall Bible studies, resident ministry leaders)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Help finding a local church (church fairs, rides, partner churches)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Office or senior leader for spiritual life or Christian missionYes (The Executive Director and University Chaplain leads the Office of Christian Ministry.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Office of Christian Ministry | Ashlandashland.edu/office-christian-ministry · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Josh Sumpter, D.Min. Executive Director, Office of Christian Ministry; University Chaplain Lower Level - Jack & Deb Miller Chapel jsumpter@ashland.edu 419-289-5624”
      Josh Sumpter is Executive Director of the Office of Christian Ministry and University Chaplain.
BMissions and service: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Missions and service

83 of 100 points · 5 of 6 found

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service or outreach officeYes (The Office of Christian Ministry runs the Isaiah Project and community service opportunities.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Short-term Missions | Ashlandashland.edu/short-term-missions · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The Isaiah Project equips AU students to love and serve in the name of Jesus.”
      The Isaiah Project, run by the Office of Christian Ministry, equips students to serve in Jesus' name.
    2. Office of Christian Ministry | Ashlandashland.edu/office-christian-ministry · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Members of the Ashland University community may reserve Upper and Lower Chapel for events and gatherings.”
      The Upper and Lower Chapels are available for campus events.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Service hours or service-learning in the curriculumNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Missions trips offered to studentsMany each year (Several mission trips each year are listed: the Isaiah Project, the Newman immersion trip, the nursing Dominican Republic trip and The Well mystery trip.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Short-term Missions | Ashlandashland.edu/short-term-missions · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Each year, the team works with local missionaries who share Christ by looking after the physical, mental and spiritual needs of the community.”
      A nursing team travels each year to a Dominican Republic mission.
      “The Well invites students to travel to an undisclosed location and partner with a local ministry center.”
      The Well runs a mission trip that partners with a local ministry center.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Partnerships with local churches and ministries for serviceSome (Partnerships with local ministry centres, including The Well's mystery trip partner ministry.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Short-term Missions | Ashlandashland.edu/short-term-missions · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The Well invites students to travel to an undisclosed location and partner with a local ministry center.”
      The Well runs a mission trip that partners with a local ministry center.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Cross-cultural or global ministry programsSome (A Dominican Republic medical mission trip with local missionaries.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Short-term Missions | Ashlandashland.edu/short-term-missions · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Each year, the team works with local missionaries who share Christ by looking after the physical, mental and spiritual needs of the community.”
      A nursing team travels each year to a Dominican Republic mission.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service explicitly rooted in the Christian missionYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Short-term Missions | Ashlandashland.edu/short-term-missions · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The Isaiah Project equips AU students to love and serve in the name of Jesus.”
      The Isaiah Project, run by the Office of Christian Ministry, equips students to serve in Jesus' name.

Strengths

  • Two weekday worship services and a Sunday service are held in the campus chapels, and worship or study is offered most nights.
    Sources (1)
    1. Office of Christian Ministry | Ashlandashland.edu/office-christian-ministry · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The Well: Thursdays at 8 p.m. in the Lower Chapel”
      The Well worship is held Thursdays at 8 p.m. in the Lower Chapel.
      “Newman Nights: Wednesdays at 7 p.m. in the Lower Chapel”
      Newman Nights, a Catholic campus ministry worship night, is held Wednesdays at 7 p.m. in the Lower Chapel.
      “Five Stones Community Church: Sundays at 10:30 a.m. in the Upper Chapel”
      Five Stones Community Church meets Sundays at 10:30 a.m. in the Upper Chapel.
      “Almost every night of the week you can find worship or study options on campus. There are also service projects, mission trips and spiritual retreats throughout the year.”
      Worship, study, service, mission trips and retreats are offered through the year.
  • Mission trips occur each year, including the Isaiah Project and the nursing Dominican Republic trip.
    Sources (1)
    1. Short-term Missions | Ashlandashland.edu/short-term-missions · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The Isaiah Project equips AU students to love and serve in the name of Jesus.”
      The Isaiah Project, run by the Office of Christian Ministry, equips students to serve in Jesus' name.
      “Each year, the team works with local missionaries who share Christ by looking after the physical, mental and spiritual needs of the community.”
      A nursing team travels each year to a Dominican Republic mission.
  • The core includes a Religion area, and religion and Christian ministry minors are offered.
    Sources (2)
    1. Core Curriculum | Ashlandashland.edu/core-curriculum · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Classes in the Religion area of the Core will include at least one of the following SLOs”
      The core includes a Religion area with learning outcomes.
    2. Religion Minors | Ashlandashland.edu/religion-minors · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The religion minor is designed to fit into your schedule whatever your major and interests.”
      A religion minor is offered.
      “Then the minor in Christian ministry is for you.”
      A Christian ministry minor is offered.

Concerns

  • Theology is offered as minors.
    Sources (1)
    1. Religion Minors | Ashlandashland.edu/religion-minors · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The religion minor is designed to fit into your schedule whatever your major and interests.”
      A religion minor is offered.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.

Campus ministry home

Office of Christian Ministry (Jack & Deb Miller Chapel)

  • Address: Lower Level, Jack & Deb Miller Chapel, Ashland University, Ashland, OH (street address not published on the ministry page)
  • Location: On campus
  • Facilities: chapel, Upper Chapel and Lower Chapel (reservable)

Source: ashland.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026, ashland.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026

Campus ministry

Sources (1)
  1. Office of Christian Ministry | Ashlandashland.edu/office-christian-ministry · verified Oct. 20, 2026
    “Josh Sumpter, D.Min. Executive Director, Office of Christian Ministry; University Chaplain Lower Level - Jack & Deb Miller Chapel jsumpter@ashland.edu 419-289-5624”
    Josh Sumpter is Executive Director of the Office of Christian Ministry and University Chaplain.
    “Almost every night of the week you can find worship or study options on campus. There are also service projects, mission trips and spiritual retreats throughout the year.”
    Worship, study, service, mission trips and retreats are offered through the year.

Christian clubs and student life

5 groups and regular activities · 3 on campus, 2 off campus

Service 2

  • Isaiah Project mission tripsOff campus
    Short-term mission trips run through the Office of Christian Ministry.
    ashland.edu
  • Dominican Republic medical mission tripOff campus
    Spring break, each year
    School of Nursing team working with local missionaries.
    ashland.edu

Faith formation 1

  • Small groups and Bible studiesOn campus
    Offered through the Office of Christian Ministry.
    ashland.edu

Clubs and groups 1

  • Fellowship of Christian AthletesOn campus
    Tuesdays 9 PM
    Campus group in Redwood Hall; an assistant athletics chaplain serves it.
    ashland.edu, ashland.edu

Worship and prayer 1

  • The WellOn campus
    Thursdays 8 PM
    Campus worship and study time in the Lower Chapel.
    ashland.edu

Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the church. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.

Chapel, worship and prayer

Confirm with the campus ministry

Chapel 2

  • Sunday4:30 PMLower Chapel · Catholic Mass, Catholic Campus Ministry.
  • Sunday10:30 AMUpper Chapel · Five Stones Community Church meets in the Upper Chapel.

Worship night 2

  • Thursday8:00 PMLower Chapel · The Well.
  • Wednesday7:00 PMLower Chapel · Newman Nights, a Catholic campus ministry worship night.

Times come only from official campus ministry, chaplaincy, or school pages, and can change with the season. Last verified Oct. 20, 2026.

Sources for these times (1)
  1. Office of Christian Ministry | Ashlandashland.edu/office-christian-ministry · verified Oct. 20, 2026
    “The Well: Thursdays at 8 p.m. in the Lower Chapel”
    The Well worship is held Thursdays at 8 p.m. in the Lower Chapel.
    “Newman Nights: Wednesdays at 7 p.m. in the Lower Chapel”
    Newman Nights, a Catholic campus ministry worship night, is held Wednesdays at 7 p.m. in the Lower Chapel.
    “Newman Nights: Wednesdays at 7 p.m. in the Lower Chapel”
    Newman Nights, a Catholic campus ministry worship night, is held Wednesdays at 7 p.m. in the Lower Chapel.
    “Five Stones Community Church: Sundays at 10:30 a.m. in the Upper Chapel”
    Five Stones Community Church meets Sundays at 10:30 a.m. in the Upper Chapel.

Plan a campus visit Chapel and worship times for your dates, questions to ask, and a calendar button.

What families pay, by income

Average yearly price after grants and scholarships, for students who receive federal aid.

Family incomePrice after aid
Up to $30,000$16,489
$30,001–$48,000$17,893
$48,001–$75,000$19,052
$75,001–$110,000$24,229
Over $110,000$26,507

Full cost of attendance before aid: $43,434 a year.

Use the college’s net price calculator for your own estimate.

Cost and value

Federal data, shown separately. Cost, debt, and earnings are never part of any grade.

Undergraduate students
Fall enrollment (IPEDS)
3,123
Total students4,143
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
$21,988
Cost of attendance (per year)$43,434
Median federal debt at graduation$25,000
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
61%
First-year retention77%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$52,928
Admission rate76%
Students receiving Pell grants29%
Admitted students’ middle range:SAT 1035–1208ACT 20–25
Admission test scores (middle 50% of admitted students who submitted scores)
Average SAT1120
SAT reading & writing505–610
SAT math530–598
ACT composite20–25
Test policyConsidered but not required

Value index: 59 / 100 (how it’s computed)

Sources: College Scorecard · IPEDS College Navigator · Net price calculator
College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026); IPEDS 2024-25 directory and institutional characteristics; fall 2023 enrollment.

Earnings by major

Median earnings of bachelor’s graduates a few years after finishing, by major (College Scorecard).

MajorMedian earnings
Accounting$80,065
Finance$79,929
Nursing$73,222
Business administration$68,823
Marketing$68,708
Biology$62,624
Physiology and pathology$61,199
Business (general)$59,115
Political science$57,165
Criminal justice$53,386
Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services$50,359
Kinesiology and exercise science$49,744
Psychology$47,671
Social work$47,094
Secondary education$45,115
History$44,543
Public relations$43,296
Special education$43,052
Broadcasting$42,929
Teacher education$42,544

Also offered (no earnings published yet): Allied health, Area studies, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Communication studies, Computer science, Computing and information science, Data Analytics, Design, Economics, Education (general), English, Entrepreneurship, Fine arts, Geology and earth science, Hospitality management, Information technology, Interdisciplinary studies, International business, International relations, Journalism, Management information systems, Management science, Mathematics, Music, Natural resources and conservation, Nutrition Sciences, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Philosophy, Physics, Pre-law and legal studies, Religious studies, Romance languages, Security science, Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations, Theatre, Writing and rhetoric.

Campus facts

School colors
SettingTown
Part-time undergraduates16%
Undergraduates aged 25 and older18%
On-campus room and board (per year)$13,568
SportsNCAA Division II · Great Midwest Athletic Conference
Study abroadOffered
Students per faculty member14 to 1

Federal data (IPEDS and College Scorecard), except school colors. None of this changes the faith grades.

Questions families ask

Is Ashland University a Christian college?
Yes. Ashland University is a Christian college. Its sponsor is Brethren Church (historic role).
What is Ashland University’s Compass Score?
77 out of 100 (grade B). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.
Where is chapel held at Ashland University?
Chapel is listed at Lower Chapel and Upper Chapel. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the college’s spiritual life office before you go.

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Reach out

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