Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology vs DePauw University: which has better ROI?
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $170,052 in 3.2 years versus 4 years at DePauw University, on median earnings of $101,253 vs $70,527 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology | DePauw University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $42,513 | $22,264 |
| Total net cost | $170,052 | $89,056 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $101,253 | $70,527 |
| Median debt | $25,000 | $27,000 |
| Payback | 3.2 yrs | 4 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $887,808 | $354,284 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology or DePauw University?
DePauw University, at $22,264 a year after aid versus $42,513 — a gap of $20,249 a year, or $80,996 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology or DePauw University graduates earn more?
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduates report a median $101,253 ten years after entry, $30,726 more than the $70,527 at DePauw 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, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology or DePauw University?
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology: its completers carry a median $25,000 in federal loans versus $27,000 at DePauw University, a difference of $2,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
78% of students finish at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, against 75% at DePauw 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.