Defiance College: 62.9% Acceptance Rate

62.9%Acceptance

$38,778Tuition

454Students

37%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$49,351Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24United Church of Christ

About Defiance College

Defiance College draws students seeking small-class education in a tight-knit environment. With just 454 students enrolled, this private liberal arts college has built its reputation around education and criminal justice programs. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention that larger universities can't match. Students come from both Ohio (48.85% in-state) and beyond to this town-distant campus where professors know your name and academic struggles don't get lost in the crowd.

The financial picture tells a mixed story. Students pay an average net price of $23,722 after aid, less than the $38,778 sticker price. However, graduates earn a median of $49,351 ten years out, which creates challenges for loan repayment. With median debt of $26,813 and monthly payments of $284, the numbers don't always add up favorably. Nearly half of students (47.95%) receive Pell Grants, reflecting the college's commitment to serving lower-income families.

The student body leans heavily male at 62.11%, unusual for most liberal arts colleges. Athletic participation runs deep with 290 students competing across 14 Division III sports as Yellow Jackets. The 36.70% six-year graduation rate signals retention struggles, though the 98.8% employment rate shows those who finish find work.

Academics & Faculty

Defiance College operates as a small liberal arts institution where students work closely with faculty in an intimate 10:1 ratio. The college has built its reputation around education and criminal justice programs that prepare students for careers in teaching and law enforcement. However, the academic environment presents challenges, with only 39% of students graduating in four years and 37% completing their degrees within six years. Nearly 48% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the college serves many first-generation and lower-income learners. The retention rate of 61% suggests some students struggle to adjust to college life or find the right academic fit in this close-knit community of 454 students.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Full-Time Faculty: 58.2%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 39.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 36.7%
Retention Rate: 61.4%
Median Earnings (10 years): $49,351
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$39,153
Accounting and Related Services.	Bachelor	$36,848
Business/Commerce, General.	Bachelor	$34,704
Education, General.	Master	$34,603
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Bachelor	$33,993
Health and Physical Education/Fitness.	Bachelor	$27,488
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas.	Bachelor	$25,194

View all 37 programs →

Campus Life

Defiance College sits in a small Ohio town about two hours southwest of Toledo, where winters demand heavy coats and summers bring humid heat. The campus houses 545 students in its residence halls, creating a tight-knit community where 62% of the student body is male. With only 454 total students, you'll recognize faces across campus within your first semester.

The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and notice when you skip class. Weekend activities center around the 14 varsity sports teams, where 290 student-athletes compete as Yellow Jackets in NCAA Division III. Nearly half the student body receives Pell Grants, creating a down-to-earth atmosphere among students who understand working for their education. The United Church of Christ affiliation provides a values-based foundation without overwhelming campus life. Students often gather in the small downtown area or drive to nearby Fort Wayne, Indiana for bigger city experiences. The close quarters foster genuine friendships but can feel limiting for students seeking anonymity or extensive social options.

Setting: Town-Distant
Housing Capacity: 545 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

16 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Public Property
Fondling	3	2	1
Rape	2	0	2
Statutory Rape	2	0	2
Dating Violence	1	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 17°–32°F
July Avg: 61°–83°F
Annual Precipitation: 68.4"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Students at Defiance College come primarily from Ohio and surrounding Midwest communities, with roughly half the student body from in-state. The student body is 62% male, reflecting the college's strength in traditionally male-dominated fields like criminal justice and business. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, showing Defiance serves working-class families seeking affordable private education. The diverse racial composition, with significant Black and Hispanic representation at 26% and 8% respectively, demonstrates the college's commitment to accessibility. Most students are first-generation college attendees drawn to hands-on programs and small class sizes.

Men: 62.1%
Women: 37.9%
White: 62.8%
Black: 26.0%
Hispanic: 7.9%
Asian: 0.7%
In-State Students: 48.9%
Pell Grant Recipients: 48.0%

Location

Defiance College sits in Defiance, Ohio, a small town about 50 miles southwest of Toledo. The campus serves 454 students in a classic small-town setting where the college forms a central part of the community. Northwest Ohio's agricultural landscape surrounds the town, creating a quiet environment for focused study. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio reflects the intimate scale possible in this rural setting. About half the student body comes from within Ohio, while others travel from neighboring states to experience small-college life in America's heartland. Students considering colleges in Ohio may also compare Defiance College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Defiance, Ohio 43512

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $49,351
Median Earnings (5 years): $46,809
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $32,900
Loan Repayment Rate: 52.8%
Monthly Loan Payment: $284/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $26,813

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Defiance College?

Defiance College accepts 62.86% of applicants with an average ACT score of 20. This small liberal arts college in Ohio offers students a reasonable chance of admission while maintaining selective standards for its close-knit academic community.

How much does Defiance College cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Defiance College is $23,722, lower than the sticker price of $52,316. Nearly 48% of students receive Pell Grants, and the college provides institutional grants averaging $24,970 to help make education affordable.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Defiance College?

Defiance College maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio with just 454 total students enrolled. This intimate setting allows for personalized attention in the college's strong education and criminal justice programs.

What are the graduation outcomes at Defiance College?

Defiance College has a 39.16% four-year graduation rate and graduates earn a median salary of $49,351 ten years after graduation. With an employment rate of 98.8%, nearly all graduates find work, though the 36.70% six-year graduation rate indicates retention challenges.

Where is Defiance College located and what is campus life like?

Defiance College sits in the small town of Defiance, Ohio, with housing capacity for 545 students. The Yellow Jackets compete in 14 NCAA Division III sports with 290 total athletes, creating a tight-knit campus community where 62% of students are male.

Does Defiance College have a religious affiliation?

Defiance College is affiliated with the United Church of Christ, reflecting its commitment to liberal arts education with social responsibility. The college's diverse student body is 62.78% White and 25.99% Black, drawing students from both in-state (48.85%) and out-of-state backgrounds.