Students at Daemen University achieve earnings that significantly exceed expectations for graduates of similar small private colleges, with outcomes placing the institution among the top performers nationally.
The university's career-focused approach, particularly in nursing and health fields, translates into strong financial returns that justify the private college investment.
Daemen University is a small private nonprofit institution in Amherst, New York, that delivers notably strong long-term earnings outcomes despite its modest size and resources. With graduates earning a median of $61,808 ten years after enrollment, Daemen ranks in the 85th percentile nationally for return on investment among similar institutions. What makes this particularly impressive is that students earn about $9,014 more than expected compared with graduates from similar colleges nationwide, reflecting the university's ability to add meaningful value to student outcomes.
The university serves a diverse student body, with 42% of students receiving Pell Grants and nearly 29% being first-generation college students. About 20% of students transfer in, suggesting Daemen serves as an accessible option for students seeking to complete their degrees in a supportive environment. While classified as "Under-Resourced Institutions" in terms of mobility outcomes, this reflects the challenge of serving students from varied economic backgrounds rather than any weakness in the institution's core academic programs.
As a small private college, Daemen offers the personalized attention and career-focused programming that many students need to succeed, particularly in professional fields like nursing where hands-on training and clinical partnerships are essential. The university's strong earnings outcomes demonstrate that size doesn't determine success when programs are well-designed and closely aligned with employer needs.
Daemen University's program portfolio is anchored by its highly successful Adult Health Nursing program, which graduates 165 students annually with median earnings of $68,869 ten years after graduation. This program represents both the university's largest academic offering and its strongest financial performer, demonstrating how focused professional education can deliver exceptional returns even at a smaller institution. The nursing program's success reflects strong regional demand in Buffalo's healthcare sector and the university's established relationships with major medical centers and health systems.
While nursing dominates Daemen's program mix and drives much of the university's strong overall earnings performance, the institution's career-focused approach extends to other health and professional fields. The university's small size allows for personalized attention and hands-on training that larger institutions often cannot provide, particularly valuable in clinical and professional programs where practical experience is essential. This concentrated approach to professional education, rather than broad academic diversity, explains why Daemen graduates consistently outperform earnings expectations despite the university's modest scale and resources.
Daemen University graduates achieve strong long-term financial outcomes that significantly exceed expectations for a small private institution. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $61,808, placing the university in the 85th percentile nationally for earnings outcomes. More importantly, graduates earn about $9,014 more than similar students at comparable institutions, demonstrating that Daemen adds substantial value beyond what students might achieve elsewhere. This earnings advantage reflects the university's focus on career-oriented programs and strong employer connections in the Buffalo-Niagara region.
The university's standout program is Adult Health Nursing, which graduates 165 students annually with median earnings of $68,869 ten years out. This program represents Daemen's largest and most successful academic offering, combining high enrollment with excellent financial outcomes. Nursing graduates benefit from strong regional demand in healthcare, with Buffalo's major medical centers and health systems providing abundant career opportunities. The program's success demonstrates how focused, professionally-oriented education can deliver exceptional returns even at a smaller institution.
Daemen's career-focused approach extends beyond nursing to other health and professional programs, though nursing remains the primary driver of the university's strong overall earnings performance. The combination of small class sizes, hands-on training, and regional employer partnerships helps explain why graduates consistently outperform earnings expectations, making Daemen a compelling choice for students seeking practical, career-oriented education with strong financial outcomes.
Daemen University's affordability varies significantly by family income, with the institution providing substantial aid to lower-income students while remaining expensive for middle and higher-income families. Low-income students pay about $10,602 annually after aid, which is competitive for a private college and reflects the university's commitment to access. Middle-income families face higher costs at around $16,325 per year, while high-income families pay approximately $25,038 annually, representing the more typical private college price point.
Debt levels at Daemen are moderate and manageable given the strong earnings outcomes. Typical graduates leave with about $22,091 in federal student loan debt, while families who choose Parent PLUS loans borrow an average of $14,311. With median graduate earnings of $61,808 ten years out, most borrowers can handle standard loan repayment comfortably. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates successfully manage their debt obligations after graduation.
What makes Daemen's pricing sustainable is the combination of targeted financial aid for lower-income students and strong post-graduation earnings that justify the investment. While the sticker price reflects typical private college costs, the net price structure ensures that students from various economic backgrounds can access the education, and the career-focused programs provide the earnings potential needed to make borrowing worthwhile for most graduates.
Daemen University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
