Drew University
Drew University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Drew University at a Glance
Drew University is a private university in Madison, New Jersey, United States. Formed in 1867, the University consists of the College of Liberal Arts, the Caspersen School of Graduate Studies, and the Drew Theological School. The University is affiliated with the United Methodist Church.
1867
159 years old
$183M
$183.1 million (2019)
Identity
Is Drew University Worth It?
Drew University offers moderate value at $24,280/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $63,646, which is near the national average. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.5 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 71% graduation rate means roughly 29% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
How Drew University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #13 of 116 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 | Kalamazoo College | 68 | $19,072 | $65,590 |
| #2 | Canisius University | 58 | $17,940 | $60,681 |
| #3 | University of Mary | 58 | $17,770 | $60,909 |
| #4 | Fresno Pacific University | 57 | $13,630 | $58,896 |
| #5 | Wabash College | 55 | $24,336 | $69,952 |
| #6 | Gustavus Adolphus College | 55 | $22,900 | $65,607 |
| #13 | Drew University | 47 | $24,280 | $63,646 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Drew University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 2 in NJ.
Best Programs at Drew University
The highest-earning program at Drew University is Economics at $45,700/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at $15,900/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Economics graduate from Drew University earns $45,700, while a Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft graduate earns $15,900. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Economics graduates carry $26,310 in median debt vs. $26,000 for Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $24,280/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economics | $45,700 | $45,700 | $26,310 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $43,300 | $43,300 | $26,000 |
| Political Science and Government | $41,000 | $41,000 | $27,000 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $30,200 | $30,200 | N/A |
| Biology, General | $29,600 | $29,600 | $25,000 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics | $27,900 | $27,900 | $27,000 |
| Psychology, General | $27,700 | $27,700 | $27,000 |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $22,100 | $22,100 | $25,500 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $15,900 | $15,900 | $26,000 |
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Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Madison, NJ
- Student Body
- 1,533 students
- Admission Rate
- 68%
- Graduation Rate
- 71%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $24,280
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $63,646
- Median Student Debt
- $25,288