At $19,988/yr net price, Davenport University graduates earn $45,099/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,099/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $19,988 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $79,952 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,099/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,099/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 7.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 49.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $19,021/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $25,217/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $23,986/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,614/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,791/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Master | $66,171 | $40,400 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $63,318 | $36,469 |
| Computer Programming. | Bachelor | $61,516 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $57,860 | $23,532 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $57,549 | $31,000 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $56,484 | $124,222 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Bachelor | $54,361 | $27,875 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Bachelor | $53,108 | $25,534 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $47,650 | $24,850 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $46,820 | $24,907 |
The Risk Factor
49.5% of students at Davenport 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
Davenport University offers strong financial returns for specific career-focused programs, but your success depends heavily on choosing the right major. Computer and business programs deliver solid ROI, while the overall graduate earnings of $45,099 lag behind what you need to comfortably repay typical debt loads.
Computer Information Technology graduates earn $66,171 annually, making the $40,400 median debt manageable despite being above average. Business Administration majors see similar success at $63,318 yearly earnings. Accounting stands out with $57,860 earnings and just $23,532 in debt, creating one of the strongest debt-to-income ratios available. Nursing graduates earn $57,549 with moderate debt levels.
The 49.5% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. Nearly half of students accumulate debt without completing their degree, leaving them in a difficult financial position. The 74% retention rate suggests many students struggle academically or financially during their first year.
You should consider Davenport if you plan to study computer technology, business, accounting, or nursing and can commit to graduation. The school works well for career-changers and working adults in the Grand Rapids region who need flexible scheduling for professional programs.
Avoid Davenport for liberal arts or exploratory studies where career outcomes remain uncertain. The low graduation rate makes this school particularly risky if you lack clear career direction or struggle with academic consistency.
With only 30% of students receiving aid, most families pay close to the full $19,988 net price. Focus on completing your degree quickly and in a high-earning program to maximize your investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Davenport University worth the cost?
Davenport University's ROI is mixed - graduates earn $45,099 after 10 years with median debt of $26,000. The best value comes from tech and business programs that earn $60,000+ annually, while other majors may struggle to justify the cost.
What are the highest paying majors at Davenport University?
Computer/Information Technology Administration leads at $66,171 annually, followed by Business Administration at $63,318 and Computer Programming at $61,516. These programs offer the strongest return on investment at Davenport.
How much debt do Davenport University graduates have?
Davenport graduates carry a median debt of $26,000, which is manageable for high-earning tech and business majors but may be problematic for lower-paying fields given the overall graduate earnings of $45,099.
What is Davenport University's graduation rate?
Only 49.5% of students graduate from Davenport University. This low completion rate increases the risk of student debt without a degree, making careful program selection and academic planning essential.