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 gives you a solid financial return, with graduate earnings well above the debt you take on. Median debt sits below one year's median earnings, which is the ratio you want and one many private schools miss. The 72% graduation rate and 84% retention rate matter here because they mean you are likely to finish and start earning, not drop out with debt and no degree.
Economics is the clear winner at Drew. It pays the most of any listed major while carrying debt in line with the rest, so your payback is fastest there. Business Administration and Political Science follow, both landing in the mid-$40Ks. The weak spots are Liberal Arts and Natural Resources Conservation, where earnings drop into the mid-to-high $30Ks but debt stays around $27,000. Picking one of those majors means the same loan balance against noticeably lower pay, which stretches your payback for years.
The main risk at Drew is major choice. The gap between Economics and Liberal Arts is roughly $20,000 a year in earnings on nearly identical debt. A Drew degree is not a flat return. what you study drives whether it pays off.
Net price tells a clear story by income. If your family earns under $30k, you pay about half what a family over $110k pays, and aid shrinks fast as income climbs. The $75-110k band sees a sharp jump, so middle-income families feel the cost most.
Drew fits you if you aim for Economics, Business, or another career-focused track and qualify for lower-income aid. If you plan on humanities or conservation and would pay near full price, the numbers are harder to justify, and you should compare cheaper options before committing.
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.