At $25,644/yr net price, Drew University graduates earn $63,646/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $29,646/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $25,644 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $102,576 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $63,646/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$29,646/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 72.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,288 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,177/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $20,060/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,926/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $28,090/yr |
| $110,001+ | $34,219/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Doctoral | $60,161 | |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $55,512 | $26,914 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $52,107 | $20,500 |
| Theological and Ministerial Studies. | Doctoral | $52,107 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $47,260 | $25,094 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $43,240 | $27,000 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | Bachelor | $39,369 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $35,954 | $27,000 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | Bachelor | $35,416 | $27,000 |
| Theological and Ministerial Studies. | Master | $32,563 | $53,003 |
The Risk Factor
72.4% of students at Drew University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 28% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Drew University delivers mixed financial returns, with median earnings of $63,646 ten years after graduation falling short of what you need to justify the $25,644 annual net price. Your debt burden will likely exceed your starting salary, creating immediate financial stress.
Economics majors fare best with $55,512 median earnings, though even this comes with $26,914 in debt. Teacher education graduates earn $52,107 with lower debt of $20,500, making this program one of your better financial bets. Business administration disappoints at $47,260 despite similar debt loads to other majors. The interdisciplinary studies program shows decent earnings but lacks the career focus that employers typically reward.
Drew's biggest financial risk is its 72% graduation rate. Nearly three in ten students leave without a degree but keep their debt. The 84% retention rate suggests most departures happen after freshman year, when you've already accumulated significant costs.
This school works financially if you secure substantial merit aid or come from a family that can pay most costs upfront. The 27% of students receiving aid suggests financial assistance is limited. Drew makes sense for students pursuing teaching credentials or planning graduate school where the liberal arts foundation adds value. Pre-professional students in business or other career-focused fields will find better ROI elsewhere.
Your best strategy involves graduating in four years and avoiding additional debt. The small class environment may provide networking advantages in the New York metropolitan area, but only if you leverage these connections aggressively during your job search.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Drew University worth the cost?
Drew University's graduates earn $63,646 ten years after graduation, which is modest given the $25,644 annual net price. With 72% of students graduating and median debt of $25,288, the return on investment is average at best for a private liberal arts education.
What are the best paying majors at Drew University?
Economics graduates from Drew University earn the highest starting salaries at $55,512, followed by education and theology programs at $52,107. Business graduates earn significantly less at $47,260, making major choice critical for ROI.
How much debt do Drew University students graduate with?
Drew University graduates have a median debt of $25,288, which is manageable compared to many private schools. However, with average post-graduation earnings of $63,646, students should expect a debt-to-income ratio that requires careful budgeting.
Does Drew University provide good financial aid?
Drew University's net price of $25,644 represents substantial aid from the full sticker price. The relatively low median debt suggests the school works to keep costs reasonable, though the moderate graduate earnings mean students still face financial pressure after graduation.