At $24,546/yr net price, DePauw University graduates earn $70,527/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $36,527/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $24,546 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $98,184 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $70,527/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$36,527/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 80.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,267/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $16,184/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,459/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,646/yr |
| $110,001+ | $33,816/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $66,941 | $26,500 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $57,860 | $26,932 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $43,054 | $27,000 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $42,682 | $27,000 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $38,289 | |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $24,366 |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. | Bachelor | $36,745 | |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $36,312 | |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | Bachelor | $35,416 | $27,000 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $25,967 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
80.0% of students at DePauw University graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
DePauw University offers mixed financial returns, with strong graduate earnings potential undermined by limited financial aid availability that creates significant cost barriers for most students.
You face a stark aid reality at DePauw: only 16% of students receive need-based financial aid, meaning the $24,546 annual net price hits most families without meaningful relief. This makes DePauw financially viable primarily for higher-income families who can absorb the full cost or students who secure substantial merit scholarships.
The earnings data reveals clear program winners and losers. Computer Science graduates earn $66,941 annually with manageable debt loads, making it DePauw's strongest financial bet. Economics also delivers solid returns at $57,860. However, Communication and Media Studies graduates earn just $43,054 despite carrying similar debt levels, creating a concerning return gap. English majors face the weakest financial outlook at $38,289 in median earnings.
DePauw's 80% graduation rate and strong alumni network in the Midwest help explain why median graduate earnings exceed $70,000 despite the mixed program performance. The school's small size and liberal arts focus create networking advantages that can boost career prospects beyond what raw salary data suggests.
DePauw makes financial sense if you can secure substantial merit aid, plan to major in Computer Science or Economics, or come from a family that can comfortably afford the full price tag. Skip DePauw if you need significant financial aid, plan to study humanities programs with weak earning potential, or require a strong financial safety net during college.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DePauw University worth the cost for the average student?
DePauw graduates earn $70,527 ten years after enrollment with median debt of $27,000, creating a reasonable debt-to-income ratio. However, the return varies dramatically by major, with computer science graduates earning $66,941 while English majors average just $38,289.
What are the best paying majors at DePauw University?
Computer science leads at $66,941 in median earnings, followed by economics at $57,860. Liberal arts majors like English ($38,289) and political science ($42,682) show significantly lower returns that may not justify the investment.
How much financial aid does DePauw University actually provide?
The average net price is $24,546 after aid, which represents substantial discounting from the sticker price. Most students receive some form of financial assistance, but families should expect to pay close to the net price figure.
Is DePauw University a good value compared to other schools?
DePauw's 80% graduation rate is solid, but the earnings outcomes depend heavily on your major choice. Students interested in liberal arts should carefully consider whether the debt load makes sense given the lower earning potential in those fields.