Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 39.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 36.7%
- Retention Rate
- 61.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $49,351
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,813
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 52.8%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $284/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $39,153 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $36,848 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $34,704 | $27,000 |
| Education, General. | Master | $34,603 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $33,993 | |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $27,488 | $27,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $25,194 |
Outcomes Overview
Defiance College graduates face significant financial challenges after leaving campus. The median debt of $26,813 creates monthly payments of $284, consuming about 6.9% of typical graduate earnings of $49,351 after ten years. This debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.54 exceeds recommended financial guidelines. The college's strong education and criminal justice programs traditionally prepare students for public service careers that offer job security but modest starting salaries. With 98.8% employment rates, graduates find work quickly in teaching, law enforcement, and social services. However, the 36.7% six-year graduation rate means many students accumulate debt without completing degrees. Despite high job placement success, the combination of substantial debt and moderate earnings in public service fields creates a weak return on investment.