Xavier University vs Denison University: which has better ROI?
Xavier University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $131,988 in 8 years versus 8.3 years at Denison University, on median earnings of $64,873 vs $67,753 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Xavier University | Denison University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $32,997 | $40,007 |
| Total net cost | $131,988 | $160,028 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $64,873 | $67,753 |
| Median debt | $23,250 | $26,000 |
| Payback | 8 yrs | 8.3 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $198,272 | $227,832 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Xavier University or Denison University?
Xavier University, at $32,997 a year after aid versus $40,007 — a gap of $7,010 a year, or $28,040 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Xavier University or Denison University graduates earn more?
Denison University graduates report a median $67,753 ten years after entry, $2,880 more than the $64,873 at Xavier 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, Xavier University or Denison University?
Xavier University: its completers carry a median $23,250 in federal loans versus $26,000 at Denison University, a difference of $2,750. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
79% of students finish at Denison University, against 69% at Xavier 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.