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's numbers are hard to justify financially. You pay a net price of $30,236 a year, yet median earnings ten years out land at $38,109 , roughly what the net price of a single year costs. Over four years you're spending north of $120,000 to reach a wage that barely clears entry-level. The 43% graduation rate makes this worse: fewer than half of you finish, and the debt and lost time hit hardest if you don't.
Business Administration is the only major here that comes close to paying off. At $41,565, it out-earns every other program on this list by a wide margin, though the $26,000 in debt that comes with it eats into that edge. The arts programs are where the math breaks down. Dance grads earn $26,121 and Drama grads $20,140, both carrying around $27,000 in debt. Those are the highest debt loads on this list attached to the lowest paychecks. Liberal Arts sits at $26,933 with no better outlook.
The specific risk here is paying private-college prices for public-college-or-worse outcomes. Two of the four listed majors leave you owing more than you'll clear in a year of work.
The net price tiers add insult. If your family earns under $30k, you pay $26,727 , only about $6,000 less than families earning over $110k, who pay $32,868. Aid here does little to protect lower-income families from the sticker cost.
Dean makes financial sense if you're set on Business Administration and can limit borrowing. If you're drawn here for Dance or Theatre, the earnings don't cover the price, and you should look at cheaper options before committing.
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.