Ashland University has gained negative media attention after numerous online articles were published about the school’s financial situation. 

Articles based on Moody’s research, which downgraded Ashland’s credit rating, along with another study from Payscale.com, have added to the media storm that private colleges around the nation are receiving.

However, many of these articles, and the research surrounding these statics, are not necessarily the whole truth.

Statistics used from payscale.com claim that a degree from Ashland University is worth -$91,600 over a 20-year time frame.

“Anything that is derived or put out by Payscale.com really lacks credibility, said AU Vice President for Enrollment Management & Marketing Scott Van Loo. “It is a site that exists for either a person who’s not content with their current employment or is searching employment. They then go in a type in their salaries, which is then used to represent the whole. It is not a fair representation of our alumni.”

Before 2010, the number of students going into traditional undergraduate programs was growing, but since 2010 the number is now decreasing.   

“Private institutions are certainly seeing their challenges, but so are non-private institutions,” Van Loo said. “Whether it’s a public school, a community college or a regional campus, it’s well documented the challenges that all higher education is facing.”

A Slate.com article said “only 59 percent graduate after six years. And so, according to Payscale, it offers one of the lowest returns on investment of any college in the country.”

“Our graduation rates are actually above the national average,” Van Loo said. “Our first and second year retention rates are above the national average and although we do want to see growth and continue to do well, those [articles] rankings would suggest that we’re much lower than we actually are. “

Another challenge is putting a monetary value to what a college degree actually is. A college degree is more than how much money a student will make after graduation.

“When you’re here as a student you’re going to be taught by faculty who are engaged in your life,” Van Loo said. “They are going to know you, they are going to invest in you, and you’re going to grow academically, socially and personally because of those relationships.”