
New Concord, OHprivate nonprofitwww.muskingum.edu/
Muskingum University is a small, moderately selective liberal arts college in rural Ohio with a tight-knit residential community where over 80% of students live on campus. Known for its hands-on approach to education and strong programs in business, health professions, and education, Muskingum delivers solid outcomes at a relatively affordable price, with nearly all students receiving financial aid.
Muskingum University maintains a moderately selective admissions process with an 82% acceptance rate, placing it firmly in the 'less selective' category by national standards. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 920–1080 on the SAT or 18–23 on the ACT, with an average high school GPA that aligns with regional public university benchmarks. Notably, 100% of admitted students receive some form of financial aid, making it accessible despite its private status. The student body is small (1,214 traditional undergraduates) and predominantly residential, with admissions favoring applicants who demonstrate academic readiness rather than elite credentials.
Muskingum offers a career-focused liberal arts curriculum with popular majors in Business (44 graduates annually), Health Service Preparatory Studies (44), Nursing (32), and Marketing (31). The university emphasizes experiential learning, requiring hands-on projects or internships across disciplines. Small class sizes and a 4-year graduation rate of 54% (rising to 59% at 6 years) reflect its supportive but structured academic environment. Programs in Education and Health Professions are particularly strong, with curricula designed to align with regional employment needs in Ohio.
Life at Muskingum revolves around its residential campus culture, with 80% of students living on-site in New Concord, a village so small that the university dominates local life. The vibe is collaborative rather than competitive, with safety ratings at 100% (per Niche) and a slate of low-key traditions. Weekends feature campus-wide events, as off-campus options are limited. Key aspects:
Muskingum graduates typically earn $36,427 one year post-graduation, slightly below the national average for liberal arts colleges. The 6-year graduation rate is 55% (47% for Pell Grant recipients), with most debt burdens around $25,369—manageable given the low cost of living in rural Ohio. Notably, education and nursing majors often secure local jobs quickly, while business graduates cluster in nearby Columbus. The career services office emphasizes regional employer connections over national recruiting pipelines.
With 100% of students receiving aid and an average package of $32,675, Muskingum's Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. drops to $20,269—comparable to Ohio's public universities. Key details:
For a private institution, Muskingum delivers rare affordability, especially for mid-income Ohio families.
Muskingum carves a niche by combining liberal arts rigor with vocational practicality—its nursing students train in regional hospitals while philosophy majors debate in intimate seminars. The campus’s insularity fosters camaraderie (think: professors hosting dinners for classes) but requires students to create their own fun. It’s ideal for those seeking:**
For Ohioans priced out of Oberlin or Denison, Muskingum offers a sensible balance of cost, support, and outcomes.