At $21,318/yr net price, Stetson University graduates earn $51,642/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $17,642/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,318 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $85,272 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $51,642/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$17,642/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 62.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,596/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,801/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,475/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,138/yr |
| $110,001+ | $32,728/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $62,260 | $41,000 |
| Law. | Master | $61,020 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $56,867 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $54,751 | $20,500 |
| Law. | Doctoral | $54,371 | $142,533 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $48,667 | $24,990 |
| Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations. | Bachelor | $44,776 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $42,012 | $26,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $39,009 | $21,500 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $37,748 | $24,750 |
The Risk Factor
62.8% of students at Stetson University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 37% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Stetson University offers weak financial returns compared to its private school price tag. With median earnings of $51,642 ten years after graduation and a net price of $21,318 annually, you're paying premium tuition for below-average career outcomes.
Business administration graduates earn $62,260 but carry $41,000 in debt, creating a decent but not strong payoff. Accounting majors see similar earnings at $56,867 with more manageable debt loads. The law program creates a troubling split: some graduates earn $61,020 while others make just $54,371 despite carrying $142,533 in debt. This suggests the law school produces inconsistent career placement.
The biggest red flag is Stetson's 62.8% graduation rate and 72.8% retention rate. Nearly three in ten students leave after freshman year, and over one-third never graduate at all. You face significant risk of paying private school prices without earning a degree.
Stetson makes financial sense only if you receive substantial merit aid to bring costs well below the published net price. The school's location in central Florida limits access to major job markets in Miami, Tampa, or Orlando, which constrains salary potential for most graduates.
You should consider Stetson only if you qualify for significant financial aid that reduces your annual costs to under $15,000, plan to major in business or accounting, and want a small liberal arts environment. Otherwise, Florida's public universities offer better value and stronger alumni networks in the state's major employment centers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stetson University worth the cost?
Stetson's graduates earn $51,642 after 10 years, which is below average for the $21,318 annual net price. The 62.8% graduation rate means over a third of students don't finish, making the investment risky for many.
What are the best paying majors at Stetson University?
Business Administration leads at $62,260, followed by Law at $61,020 and Accounting at $56,867. These programs offer better ROI than the university average, though debt levels still matter for individual outcomes.
How much debt do Stetson University graduates have?
Median debt is $23,250, which is manageable compared to many private schools. However, with average earnings of $51,642, graduates will need about 5-7 years to pay off loans depending on interest rates.
Does Stetson University provide good financial aid?
The $21,318 net price suggests decent aid since the sticker price is much higher. Still, nearly 40% of students don't graduate, so aid alone doesn't guarantee you'll finish and see returns on investment.