At $30,236/yr net price, Dean College graduates earn $38,109/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,109/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $30,236 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $120,944 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,109/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,109/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 29.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 43.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $26,727/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $23,546/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $28,970/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $32,261/yr |
| $110,001+ | $32,868/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $41,565 | $26,000 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $26,933 | |
| Dance. | Bachelor | $26,121 | $27,000 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. | Bachelor | $20,140 | $27,000 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $11,351 | $15,750 |
The Risk Factor
43.2% of students at Dean College 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
Dean College delivers weak financial returns that struggle to justify its $30,236 annual cost. With median earnings of $38,109 ten years after graduation and a troubling 43% graduation rate, many students leave without degrees or with credentials that barely outpace high school graduates in earning power.
Business Administration offers the only viable financial path at Dean, generating $41,565 in median earnings against $26,000 in debt. Liberal Arts graduates face particularly harsh outcomes, with some earning just $11,351 annually while carrying $15,750 in debt. Dance and theater programs lead to earnings below $27,000 while saddling graduates with $27,000 in debt, creating an immediate financial deficit.
The 75% retention rate signals that even students who start at Dean often realize the poor value proposition before finishing. Only 30% of students receive financial aid, suggesting limited institutional support for affordability. Your biggest risk at Dean is joining the 57% of students who never graduate, leaving you with debt but no degree.
Dean works financially only if you plan to major in business and can afford the full cost without significant borrowing. Liberal arts students and aspiring performers should look elsewhere, as the career outcomes rarely justify the expense. Community college transfer paths or state schools offer better returns for most career goals that Dean's programs address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dean College worth the money?
Dean College's ROI is concerning, with graduates earning a median of $38,109 ten years after enrollment while paying over $30,000 annually. The 43% graduation rate means many students leave with debt but no degree.
What are the best paying majors at Dean College?
Business Administration graduates from Dean College earn the highest median salary at $41,565, which is still relatively low for the cost. Liberal Arts and Theatre programs show significantly lower earning potential, with some graduates earning under $27,000.
How much debt do Dean College students typically have?
Dean College graduates carry a median debt of $25,000, which is manageable compared to the national average. However, with low graduation rates and modest post-graduation earnings, this debt can still create financial strain.
Does Dean College provide good financial aid?
Dean College's net price of $30,236 suggests limited financial aid effectiveness for most families. The high cost combined with below-average graduation rates makes the financial risk significant for many students.