Davenport University
Davenport University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Davenport University at a Glance
Davenport University is a private university with campuses throughout Michigan and online. It was founded in 1866 by Conrad Swensburg and currently offers associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees; diplomas; and post-grad certification programs in business, technology, health professions, and graduate studies (MBA).
1866
160 years old
$27M
$26.5 million (2022)
7,232
5,642 undergrad · 1,590 grad
113
69 acres
Identity
Is Davenport University Worth It?
At a value score of 34/100, Davenport University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $45,099 — 16% below average — while paying $17,707/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.6 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 53% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With a 98% acceptance rate, admission is essentially open — the question isn't whether you'll get in, but whether the investment will pay off.
With median debt of $26,000 representing 58% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Davenport University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Davenport University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #8 of 51 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Trinity Washington University | 67 | $9,302 | $53,804 |
| #2 | Bob Jones University | 45 | $16,641 | $44,354 |
| #3 | University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne | 44 | $18,196 | $55,362 |
| #4 | Ranken Technical College | 39 | $18,795 | $55,955 |
| #5 | Bridgewater College | 39 | $17,800 | $53,453 |
| #6 | Oglethorpe University | 38 | $19,509 | $55,232 |
| #8 | Davenport University | 34 | $17,707 | $45,099 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Davenport University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at Davenport University
The highest-earning program at Davenport University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $55,800/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Health and Physical Education/Fitness at $33,700/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Davenport University earns $55,800, while a Health and Physical Education/Fitness graduate earns $33,700. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $34,401 in median debt vs. $23,967 for Health and Physical Education/Fitness.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $17,707/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $55,800 | $55,800 | $34,401 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications | $51,700 | $51,700 | $31,000 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management | $46,400 | $46,400 | $26,200 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $42,600 | $42,600 | $25,346 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $40,700 | $40,700 | $28,555 |
| Business/Commerce, General | $40,600 | $40,600 | $25,458 |
| Human Resources Management and Services | $40,500 | $40,500 | $34,078 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $38,200 | $38,200 | $21,250 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $36,100 | $36,100 | $35,875 |
| Marketing | $34,500 | $34,500 | $28,288 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $33,700 | $33,700 | $23,967 |
Similar Colleges in MI
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Grand Rapids, MI
- Student Body
- 3,134 students
- Admission Rate
- 98%
- Graduation Rate
- 53%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $17,707
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $45,099
- Median Student Debt
- $26,000