Stetson University
Stetson University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Stetson University at a Glance
Stetson University is a private university in DeLand, Florida, United States. Established in 1883 as DeLand Academy, it was renamed after hat maker and philanthropist John B. Stetson following his financial support. It is the oldest private college in the state of Florida. The university's main campus in DeLand spans 175 acres (71 ha) with additional campuses in Gulfport and Tampa. The university includes the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Business Administration, School of Music, and t…
1883
143 years old
$416M
$416.1 million (2025)
3,670
2,339 undergrad · 1,331 grad
185 acres
Identity
Is Stetson University Worth It?
Stetson University offers moderate value at $19,372/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $51,642, which is 4% below average — meaning the financial payoff takes longer than typical. 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 63% graduation rate means roughly 37% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
How Stetson University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in FL
Ranked #37 of 146 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 | University of St Francis | 81 | $13,006 | $63,926 |
| #2 | Carroll University | 67 | $15,193 | $58,009 |
| #3 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #4 | Canisius University | 58 | $17,940 | $60,681 |
| #5 | University of Mary | 58 | $17,770 | $60,909 |
| #6 | Fresno Pacific University | 57 | $13,630 | $58,896 |
| #37 | Stetson University | 42 | $19,372 | $51,642 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Stetson University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 6 in FL.
Best Programs at Stetson University
The highest-earning program at Stetson University is Finance and Financial Management Services at $44,200/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General at $21,900/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Finance and Financial Management Services graduate from Stetson University earns $44,200, while a Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General graduate earns $21,900. 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: Finance and Financial Management Services graduates carry $27,000 in median debt vs. $25,875 for Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $19,372/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $44,200 | $44,200 | $27,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $40,700 | $40,700 | $24,625 |
| Marketing | $38,500 | $38,500 | $26,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $36,700 | $36,700 | $26,949 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $35,200 | $35,200 | $27,000 |
| Psychology, General | $23,400 | $23,400 | $25,875 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General | $21,900 | $21,900 | $25,875 |
Similar Colleges in FL
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- DeLand, FL
- Student Body
- 2,297 students
- Admission Rate
- 72%
- Graduation Rate
- 63%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $19,372
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $51,642
- Median Student Debt
- $23,250