At $23,722/yr net price, Defiance College graduates earn $49,351/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $15,351/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $23,722 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $94,888 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $49,351/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$15,351/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 36.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,813 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $19,929/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $21,601/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $24,386/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,726/yr |
| $110,001+ | $28,092/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
36.7% of students at Defiance College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Defiance College delivers below-average financial returns with significant graduation risks that make it a poor investment for most students. The median earnings of $49,351 after ten years barely justify the $23,722 annual cost, especially when paired with a troubling 37% graduation rate that leaves nearly two-thirds of students without degrees.
Business programs offer the strongest earning potential, with management graduates earning $39,153 annually, though this still falls short of what you could achieve at stronger regional competitors. Accounting and general business follow closely behind. Education and criminal justice majors face particularly weak prospects, earning in the mid-$30,000 range while carrying similar debt loads.
The 61% retention rate signals serious academic or financial struggles among students, creating substantial risk that you might leave without a degree but with debt. Nearly half of all students receive financial aid, suggesting the published price reflects genuine affordability challenges rather than strategic pricing.
This school works best for local students who can live at home and significantly reduce costs, particularly those pursuing business programs who plan to work in the immediate Ohio region. Students seeking stronger career outcomes, higher graduation rates, or better financial returns should explore alternatives. The combination of modest earning potential, high non-completion risk, and average debt levels makes Defiance College a financially risky choice unless you have compelling personal reasons to attend and can minimize costs through commuting or substantial merit aid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Defiance College worth the cost for most students?
With median earnings of $49,351 ten years after graduation and a net price of $23,722 annually, Defiance College provides moderate returns that may not justify the cost for many students. The 37% graduation rate means most students don't finish their degree, making the investment particularly risky.
What are the highest paying majors at Defiance College?
Business Administration leads with $39,153 in median earnings, followed by Accounting at $36,848. However, even the top-earning programs at Defiance College pay significantly less than national averages for college graduates.
How much student debt do Defiance College graduates typically have?
Graduates leave with a median debt of $26,813, which represents a manageable debt-to-income ratio given typical starting salaries. The bigger concern is the low graduation rate, meaning many students accumulate debt without earning a degree.
Does Defiance College have good job placement after graduation?
With ten-year median earnings around $49,000 across programs, Defiance College graduates earn less than the national average for college graduates. The low graduation rate of 37% suggests many students struggle to complete their programs and enter the job market with a degree.