At $18,244/yr net price, Daemen University graduates earn $61,808/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $27,808/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,244 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $72,976 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $61,808/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$27,808/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 58.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,091 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,602/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,562/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,325/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,603/yr |
| $110,001+ | $25,038/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $98,974 | $36,944 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $98,894 | $41,101 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $68,869 | $12,500 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $59,060 | $41,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $51,035 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $47,260 | |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $36,674 | |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $29,685 | $27,000 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $28,236 | |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $28,019 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
58.4% of students at Daemen University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Daemen University delivers strong financial returns for healthcare majors but weaker outcomes for most other programs. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning nearly $99,000 annually, making it one of the better nursing ROI stories in Western New York's competitive healthcare market.
Your major choice determines everything at Daemen. Nursing and allied health programs justify their higher debt loads with salaries approaching six figures. Accounting graduates earn just $51,000, creating a challenging debt-to-income ratio even with the school's relatively low median debt of $22,000. The 58% graduation rate means four in ten students leave without a degree, making program selection critical.
Daemen's location in suburban Buffalo limits job market opportunities outside healthcare. You'll find strong hospital networks and medical facilities nearby, but fewer corporate headquarters or tech companies that might hire business or liberal arts graduates at competitive salaries.
The school works best for students committed to healthcare careers who can handle the academic demands. The 80% retention rate suggests most students who return after freshman year complete their programs. If you're considering non-healthcare majors, compare carefully against SUNY options that offer similar programs at lower cost.
Financial aid covers roughly 42% of students, suggesting merit opportunities exist but aren't universal. The net price of $18,200 positions Daemen competitively against other private colleges in the region, though still significantly higher than public alternatives. Your best strategy involves targeting healthcare programs where the earnings premium justifies the private school premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Daemen University worth the cost?
Daemen University can be worth it if you pursue nursing or allied health programs, which show strong earning potential above $68,000. However, with a 58% graduation rate and median debt of $22,091, the value depends heavily on completing your degree in a high-paying field.
What programs at Daemen University have the best ROI?
Nursing programs at Daemen University offer the strongest return, with graduates earning around $69,000-$99,000 annually. Allied health and rehabilitation programs also perform well at $59,000-$99,000, while accounting graduates earn around $51,000.
How much debt do Daemen University students typically graduate with?
Daemen University graduates have a median debt of $22,091, which is manageable for nursing and health program graduates but may be challenging for lower-earning majors. The net price of $18,244 per year helps keep total debt relatively low compared to many private colleges.
What are the risks of attending Daemen University?
The main risk at Daemen University is the 58% graduation rate, meaning 4 in 10 students don't finish their degree. Students who don't complete nursing or health programs may struggle to justify the cost with lower earnings potential.