At $38,111/yr net price, Denison University graduates earn $67,753/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $33,753/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $38,111 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $152,444 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $67,753/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$33,753/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 80.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $15,093/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,775/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,451/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $29,492/yr |
| $110,001+ | $46,510/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economics. | Bachelor | $50,439 | $22,375 |
| History. | Bachelor | $38,289 | |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $37,208 | $24,125 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $36,134 | $25,000 |
| International Relations and National Security Studies. | Bachelor | $35,060 | |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | Bachelor | $33,993 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $33,993 | |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $32,569 | |
| Education, General. | Bachelor | $30,771 | |
| Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies. | Bachelor | $29,685 |
The Risk Factor
80.1% of students at Denison University graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Denison University delivers weak financial returns that don't justify its high cost. With median 10-year earnings of $67,753 against a net price of $38,111 annually, you're looking at a payback period that stretches well beyond what most families can afford comfortably.
Economics stands out as the only program worth considering financially, with graduates earning $50,439 while carrying just $22,375 in debt. Every other major falls into concerning territory. History graduates earn $38,289, barely covering their annual college costs in their first year out. Political Science and Communication majors face even steeper climbs, with starting salaries in the mid-to-upper $30,000s while carrying $24,000-25,000 in debt.
The numbers reveal a harsh reality: most Denison graduates struggle to make their expensive liberal arts education pay off financially. International Relations majors, despite the program's appeal, earn just $35,060 initially, creating a significant gap between investment and return.
Denison works financially only if you're wealthy enough to pay without borrowing or if you're targeting Economics specifically. The school's 80% graduation rate offers some reassurance you'll finish, but finishing doesn't solve the fundamental math problem of high costs and modest earning potential.
Your financial aid prospects look grim, with only 12.8% of students receiving aid. This suggests Denison expects families to pay close to full price, making it accessible primarily to high-income households who can absorb the cost without expecting strong returns. If you need financial aid or care about ROI, look elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Denison University worth the cost?
Denison's $38,111 annual net price leads to median earnings of $67,753 after 10 years, which is decent but not exceptional for the cost. Economics majors fare better at $50,439, while other popular majors like political science and communications start around $35,000-38,000.
What is the return on investment for Denison University graduates?
With $26,000 median debt and starting salaries that vary widely by major, Denison's ROI depends heavily on your field of study. Economics graduates see much better returns than humanities majors, who often start below $40,000.
How much debt do Denison University students graduate with?
Denison graduates carry a median debt of $26,000, which is manageable compared to many private schools. However, this debt load becomes more concerning for graduates in lower-paying fields like political science or communications.
Which Denison University programs offer the best career prospects?
Economics stands out as the clear winner with median earnings of $50,439. Other popular majors like history, political science, and communications all cluster around $35,000-38,000, which may not justify the high tuition costs.