Dordt University vs Cornell College: which has better ROI?
Cornell College has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $94,536 in 18.5 years versus 24.6 years at Dordt University, on median earnings of $53,460 vs $52,559 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Dordt University | Cornell College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $25,807 | $23,634 |
| Total net cost | $103,228 | $94,536 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $52,559 | $53,460 |
| Median debt | $21,500 | $27,000 |
| Payback | 24.6 yrs | 18.5 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$19,248 | $7,464 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Dordt University or Cornell College?
Cornell College, at $23,634 a year after aid versus $25,807 — a gap of $2,173 a year, or $8,692 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Dordt University or Cornell College graduates earn more?
Cornell College graduates report a median $53,460 ten years after entry, $901 more than the $52,559 at Dordt 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, Dordt University or Cornell College?
Dordt University: its completers carry a median $21,500 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Cornell College, a difference of $5,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
70% of students finish at Dordt University, against 62% at Cornell College. 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.