Dean College
Dean College — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is Dean College Worth It?
At a value score of 15/100, Dean College is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $38,109 — 29% below average — while paying $30,684/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 3.2-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
A 48% 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 median debt of $25,000 representing 66% 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 Dean College has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Dean College compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #58 of 77 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 | Turtle Mountain College | 100 | $3,428 | $32,079 |
| #2 | Pillar College | 49 | $8,470 | $45,577 |
| #3 | Oakland City University | 48 | $15,210 | $43,283 |
| #4 | Grace College and Theological Seminary | 40 | $19,932 | $45,411 |
| #5 | Huntington University | 40 | $19,310 | $46,672 |
| #6 | Evangel University | 40 | $18,669 | $46,573 |
| #58 | Dean College | 15 | $30,684 | $38,109 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Dean College's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 2 in MA.
Best Programs at Dean College
The highest-earning program at Dean College is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $36,600/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at $20,300/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate from Dean College earns $36,600, while a Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft graduate earns $20,300. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Business Administration, Management and Operations graduates carry $26,000 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $30,684/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $36,600 | $36,600 | $26,000 |
| Dance | $23,300 | $23,300 | $26,960 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $20,300 | $20,300 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in MA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Franklin, MA
- Student Body
- 1,089 students
- Admission Rate
- 74%
- Graduation Rate
- 48%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $30,684
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $38,109
- Median Student Debt
- $25,000