Denison University vs John Carroll University: which has better ROI?
John Carroll University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $114,984 in 7.9 years versus 8.3 years at Denison University, on median earnings of $62,860 vs $67,753 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Denison University | John Carroll University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $40,007 | $28,746 |
| Total net cost | $160,028 | $114,984 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $67,753 | $62,860 |
| Median debt | $26,000 | $26,000 |
| Payback | 8.3 yrs | 7.9 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $227,832 | $175,016 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Denison University or John Carroll University?
John Carroll University, at $28,746 a year after aid versus $40,007 — a gap of $11,261 a year, or $45,044 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Denison University or John Carroll University graduates earn more?
Denison University graduates report a median $67,753 ten years after entry, $4,893 more than the $62,860 at John Carroll University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Denison University or John Carroll University?
Completers at both borrow a median $26,000, so neither school has the debt advantage. That figure covers federal loans of students who finished — borrowers who leave early are not counted, and private loans sit outside it.
Which graduates more of its students?
79% of students finish at Denison University, against 79% at John Carroll University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.