At $10,218/yr net price, Dine College graduates earn $29,188/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,218 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $40,872 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $29,188/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-4,812/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 5.5% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,031/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,877/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,225/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,999/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Sciences, General. | Associate | $23,351 | |
| Public Health. | Associate | $20,140 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $17,396 |
The Risk Factor
5.5% of students at Dine 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
Dine College's financial picture is weak on paper, and the numbers are hard to look past. A 5.5% graduation rate and a 33% retention rate mean two out of three of you won't come back for a second year, and almost none of you will finish. That single fact drives everything else about the return here, because a degree you don't complete can't pay you back.
Median earnings a decade out sit around $29,000, which is below what many high school graduates earn and below the cost of most bachelor's programs elsewhere. No bachelor-level program salary data is listed, so there's no way to point you toward a major that reliably pays off here. If a specific career outcome matters to you, you don't have the evidence to bank on it at this school.
The financial risk is concentrated in non-completion. You'd pay just over $10,000 a year in net price, and if you leave after one or two years without a credential, that's money and time spent for no degree. Any loans you take follow you whether or not you graduate.
The net price tiers are close to flat across income levels. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay slightly less than families earning $75,000 to $110,000, but the gap is small. Lower income doesn't buy you a meaningfully cheaper year here.
This school is a reasonable financial fit if you're rooted in the Tsaile area, committed to the Diné mission, and confident you'll be in the minority who finish. If you're choosing primarily on earnings and completion odds, the retention and graduation numbers say look elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dine College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Dine College graduates earn $29,188 annually 10 years after graduation, which is significantly below the national average for college graduates. With a net price of $10,218 per year, the financial return on investment is weak compared to most four-year institutions.
What is Dine College's graduation rate and why does it matter?
Dine College has a 5.50% graduation rate, which means fewer than 6 out of 100 students complete their degree. This extremely low completion rate creates high financial risk since most students pay tuition costs without earning a degree.
Which Dine College programs offer the best career prospects?
Social Sciences graduates from Dine College earn around $23,351 annually, making it the highest-paying program at the school. However, even this top program produces earnings well below national averages for college graduates.
Should I consider Dine College if I need financial aid?
While Dine College's net price of $10,218 is relatively affordable, the combination of very low graduation rates and below-average earnings makes it a risky investment even at this price point. Students should carefully consider alternative educational paths or schools with better completion rates.