At $30,465/yr net price, DeSales University graduates earn $61,295/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $27,295/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $30,465 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $121,860 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $61,295/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$27,295/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 71.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,788 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $22,193/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $23,265/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $25,683/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $30,277/yr |
| $110,001+ | $33,532/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $104,510 | $61,500 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $99,251 | $40,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $79,284 | $35,731 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $66,852 | $25,000 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $58,673 | $25,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Master | $52,107 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $51,392 | $24,250 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Bachelor | $50,231 | $24,499 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $47,260 | $20,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $42,682 | $26,250 |
The Risk Factor
71.0% of students at DeSales University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 29% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
DeSales University delivers strong returns for healthcare-focused students but leaves liberal arts majors with questionable financial outcomes. The $30,465 annual net price creates manageable debt loads for high-earning programs while potentially burdening students in lower-paying fields.
Nursing and allied health programs justify the investment with graduates earning $99,251 and $104,510 respectively. Business administration also pays off at $79,284, making these three areas clear winners for ROI-conscious students. Finance graduates earn $58,673, which adequately covers the debt load but offers less upside than the healthcare tracks.
The 71% graduation rate creates risk for students who may leave with debt but no degree. This matters most if you're considering programs outside the top-earning majors, where lower salaries make incomplete degrees financially devastating. The 80% retention rate suggests some students struggle with fit or academic demands.
Only 23% of students receive need-based aid, indicating DeSales expects families to pay most costs out of pocket. This makes the school financially viable primarily for middle and upper-middle class families who can afford the sticker price or students confident they'll enter high-paying healthcare careers.
You should choose DeSales if you're committed to nursing, allied health, or business and can handle the net price without excessive borrowing. Look elsewhere if you want to study liberal arts, education, or social sciences, as the cost structure doesn't align with typical earnings in these fields. The school works best for students with clear career goals in its strongest programs rather than those still exploring academic interests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DeSales University worth the cost?
DeSales University can be worth it if you pursue high-paying programs like allied health or nursing, which produce graduates earning $99,000-$104,000 annually. However, with a $30,465 net price and average earnings of $61,295, many graduates struggle to justify the cost compared to cheaper alternatives.
What are the best paying majors at DeSales University?
Allied health diagnostic programs and nursing lead DeSales' salary outcomes, with graduates earning $99,000-$104,000 per year. Business administration graduates earn around $79,000, while finance majors make about $58,000 annually.
How much debt do DeSales University students graduate with?
DeSales graduates carry a median debt of $25,788, which is manageable for nursing and allied health majors but challenging for lower-earning programs. The debt load becomes problematic when paired with the school's below-average overall earning outcomes.
Does DeSales University have good job placement after graduation?
DeSales has a 71% graduation rate, suggesting some students struggle to complete their programs. While specific job placement data isn't available, the strong earning potential in nursing and allied health programs indicates good career prospects in those fields.