At $21,523/yr net price, Drury University graduates earn $40,694/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,694/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,523 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $86,092 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,694/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,694/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 12.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 66.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,979 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,073/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,104/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,602/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,003/yr |
| $110,001+ | $25,628/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $56,563 | $17,968 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $54,053 | |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $52,607 | |
| Architecture. | Bachelor | $47,650 | $31,000 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $47,260 | |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $42,363 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $39,969 | $22,778 |
| Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education. | Master | $38,289 | |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $37,424 | $21,855 |
| Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management. | Master | $36,141 |
The Risk Factor
66.0% of students at Drury University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 34% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Drury University delivers mixed financial returns, with business programs offering solid value while other majors struggle to justify the investment. The median graduate earns $40,694 ten years out, which barely covers loan payments for many majors given the $21,523 annual net price.
Business administration leads the pack at $56,563 with manageable debt of $17,968, making it one of the strongest ROI choices. Accounting and finance also perform well above the university median. These programs benefit from Springfield's growing healthcare and logistics sectors, where business skills translate directly to employment opportunities.
Architecture presents a concerning risk profile with $31,000 in debt but earnings of only $47,650. Marketing graduates face similar challenges with modest returns relative to investment. The 66% graduation rate means one-third of students leave with debt but no degree, amplifying financial risk.
You should consider Drury if you plan to study business and want small class sizes in the Ozarks region. The low 27% of students receiving aid suggests limited need-based assistance, but merit scholarships may be available for strong applicants. Skip Drury if you need substantial financial aid or plan to major outside business fields.
The 77% retention rate signals that many students struggle to adapt, creating additional financial risk through extended time to degree. Springfield's job market favors business graduates but offers fewer opportunities for other majors, making program choice critical for your financial outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Drury University worth the cost for the earnings potential?
Drury graduates earn $40,694 ten years after graduation, which is below average for a private university costing $21,523 annually. The business and accounting programs offer better returns with starting salaries in the $50,000s, but other majors may struggle to justify the investment.
What are the best ROI programs at Drury University?
Business Administration leads with $56,563 average earnings, followed by Accounting at $54,053 and Finance at $52,607. Architecture and Marketing programs show weaker returns at under $48,000, making debt repayment more challenging.
How much debt do Drury University students typically graduate with?
The median debt is $20,979, which is manageable compared to many private schools. However, with average post-graduation earnings of $40,694, students outside high-paying business programs may face tight budgets during loan repayment.
Does Drury University have good graduation rates for the price?
Drury's 66% graduation rate is concerning for a school charging over $20,000 annually after aid. One in three students don't finish, meaning families risk losing their investment without earning a degree.