At $25,383/yr net price, Dordt University graduates earn $52,559/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $18,559/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $25,383 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $101,532 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $52,559/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$18,559/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 65.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $20,966/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $20,971/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $23,110/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $26,192/yr |
| $110,001+ | $31,607/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $58,673 | |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $57,770 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $56,776 | $24,500 |
| Agricultural Business and Management. | Bachelor | $48,823 | $19,000 |
| Animal Sciences. | Bachelor | $39,369 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $37,208 | |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $36,848 | |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $35,954 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $34,746 | $21,500 |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $28,381 |
The Risk Factor
65.3% of students at Dordt University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 35% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Dordt University delivers modest returns with significant variation across programs. Your career trajectory will depend heavily on your major choice, as engineering graduates earn nearly 50% more than those in animal sciences.
Engineering programs provide the strongest financial outcomes, with civil and mechanical engineering graduates earning around $57,000-58,000 annually. Nursing also pays well at $56,776, though you'll carry slightly higher debt at $24,500. Agricultural business offers solid middle-ground returns at $48,823 with lower debt burdens of $19,000, fitting for Iowa's agricultural economy.
Animal sciences presents a concerning financial picture at $39,369 in median earnings, making debt repayment challenging even with the school's relatively low median debt of $21,500. The 65% graduation rate means one-third of students leave without a degree while still carrying debt.
The school works best for students committed to technical fields like engineering or healthcare, where job prospects in the rural Midwest remain stable. The strong retention rate of 85% suggests students who enroll typically stay, but you should be certain about your major before committing.
Financial aid covers only 18% of students, so most families pay close to the full net price of $25,383 annually. Merit scholarships exist but aren't widespread enough to significantly alter the cost structure for most students.
Skip Dordt if you're considering liberal arts majors or programs outside their technical strengths. The rural Iowa location limits internship and job opportunities for non-agricultural, non-engineering fields, making it harder to justify the private school premium for weaker-earning majors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dordt University worth the cost compared to other colleges?
Dordt University graduates earn $52,559 ten years after enrollment, which is below the national average for college graduates. With a net price of $25,383 per year and moderate debt levels around $21,500, the financial return is mixed depending on your major.
Which Dordt University programs offer the best return on investment?
Engineering programs at Dordt University provide the strongest ROI, with civil engineering graduates earning $58,673 and mechanical engineering graduates making $57,770. Nursing also performs well at $56,776, while programs like animal sciences lag significantly at $39,369.
How much debt do Dordt University students typically graduate with?
Dordt University students graduate with a median debt of $21,500, which is below the national average. However, with a 65% graduation rate, about one-third of students leave without completing their degree, often still carrying debt.
Does Dordt University provide good financial aid to make it affordable?
Dordt University's net price of $25,383 per year reflects some financial aid, but the school still costs more than many in-state public options. The aid helps but doesn't make the ROI compelling for most programs outside of engineering and nursing.