DePauw University — ROI, Cost & Payback
DePauw University charges a net price of $22,264/yr after aid — a 4-year total of $89,056. Graduates earn a median $70,527 ten years after entry, $22,167/yr above the $48,360 high-school baseline, clearing the total in 4 years — a 20-year net return of $354,284, a strong payback — the degree clears its cost fast. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
DePauw University's 4-year payback ranks #287 of 1,280 US colleges we track — better ROI than 78% of them, and #5 of 56 in Indiana.
| Measure | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Net price (after aid) | $22,264/yr | Scorecard, 2026 |
| Total net cost (4 yrs) | $89,056 | our math |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry | $70,527 | Scorecard, 2026 |
| Earnings premium over HS baseline | $22,167/yr | our math |
| Median debt (completers) | $27,000 | Scorecard, 2026 |
| Payback | 4 yrs | our math |
| 20-year net return | $354,284 | our math |
College Scorecard (2026 release), institution-level · payback and returns are our math.
The arithmetic, on DePauw University's own numbers. Net price $22,264 × 4 years = $89,056 total. Median earnings $70,527 − the $48,360 high-school baseline = $22,167 a year of premium. $89,056 ÷ $22,167 = 4 years to break even; twenty years of that premium minus the cost leaves $354,284. Future dollars are not discounted, and the earnings figure blends every major here — your programme can beat or miss it. Full method.
How much debt do DePauw University students graduate with?
A median $27,000 in federal loans among completers, or 38% of the $70,527 its graduates earn ten years out — our math. The figure excludes private loans and students who left before finishing.
What share of DePauw University students graduate?
75% finish their degree. Spread the $89,056 bill across that completion rate and the cohort pays $118,741 per graduate produced — our math, and the figure a payback number never shows.
Is DePauw University expensive compared with other Indiana colleges?
Its $22,264 net price runs $2,567 above the $19,698 median across the 56 Indiana colleges we profile, or $10,266 more across the full degree.