Davis & Elkins College provides accessible private education with strong support for first-generation students and families seeking affordable tuition.
The college maintains financial stability for graduates with no federal loan defaults, though earnings outcomes remain below national averages.
Davis & Elkins College is a small private nonprofit institution in Elkins, West Virginia, serving students who value personalized education and tight-knit campus communities. The college demonstrates strong commitment to access, with about 40% of students receiving Pell Grants and nearly 48% being first-generation college students, reflecting its mission to serve students from diverse economic backgrounds. However, the institution faces significant challenges in delivering competitive long-term outcomes, with graduates earning a median of $43,411 ten years after enrollment, placing it in the bottom third nationally for earnings performance.
The college's affordability story is mixed. Net prices range from $17,780 for low-income students to $21,729 for higher-income families, which are relatively modest for a private institution. Yet graduates typically leave with $27,000 in federal student loan debt, and the combination of moderate debt levels with below-average earnings creates financial pressure for many borrowers. Completion rates also present concerns, with only 37% of all students graduating within six years and even lower rates for Pell recipients.
As an "Under-Resourced Institution" in terms of mobility outcomes, Davis & Elkins provides access but struggles to convert that access into strong economic advancement. The college serves an important role in West Virginia's higher education landscape by opening doors for students who might not otherwise attend college, but prospective families should carefully weigh the institution's supportive environment against its limited capacity to deliver competitive career outcomes.
Davis & Elkins College operates with a limited program portfolio that constrains career pathways for most graduates. Without detailed program-level data available, the college appears to focus on traditional liberal arts and professional programs typical of small private institutions. The absence of high-earning fields like engineering, computer science, or specialized business programs contributes to the institution's below-average earnings outcomes.
The college's small size and rural West Virginia location limit access to internships, co-op programs, and employer recruitment that could enhance career prospects for graduates. While students may benefit from small class sizes and personalized attention from faculty, these advantages do not translate into competitive job market outcomes. Most graduates likely enter careers in education, social services, or local business sectors that offer modest salary growth potential.
For students considering Davis & Elkins, the program mix reflects the institution's mission to provide broad-based liberal arts education rather than specialized career preparation. While this approach has value for personal development and critical thinking skills, families should understand that it typically leads to career paths with limited earning potential compared with more technically-focused or professionally-oriented programs available at larger institutions.
Graduates of Davis & Elkins College face challenging long-term financial outcomes that place the institution well below national averages for earnings performance. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $43,411, ranking in the 33rd percentile nationally and significantly below what most families expect from a college investment. While the college does provide a modest earnings boost of about $1,047 compared with similar students at other institutions, this small advantage cannot offset the fundamental challenge of below-average absolute earnings levels.
The limited program data available suggests that Davis & Elkins operates with a relatively narrow academic focus, which may contribute to constrained career pathways for graduates. Without strong representation in high-earning fields like engineering, computer science, or business, most students enter careers with modest salary expectations. The college's small size and rural West Virginia location may also limit access to internships, networking opportunities, and employer recruitment that could help boost graduate outcomes.
For students considering Davis & Elkins, the return on investment calculation requires careful consideration. While the college provides value through small class sizes, personal attention, and a supportive learning environment, families must weigh these benefits against earnings that lag significantly behind national norms. The financial reality is that most graduates will need to manage substantial student debt on below-average incomes, making this a challenging proposition for long-term financial security.
Davis & Elkins College presents a complex affordability picture that requires careful family planning. Net prices are relatively reasonable for a private institution, with low-income students paying about $17,780 annually and middle-income families facing costs around $18,783 per year. Even higher-income families see net prices of $21,729, which are modest compared with many private colleges. These figures reflect the institution's commitment to keeping education accessible through financial aid and scholarships.
However, the debt burden tells a more concerning story. Typical graduates leave with $27,000 in federal student loan debt, and families often supplement this with Parent PLUS loans averaging $12,735. While these amounts might seem manageable in isolation, they become problematic when combined with the college's below-average earnings outcomes. Graduates earning $43,411 ten years out face monthly loan payments that consume a larger share of their income than is typically considered sustainable, creating long-term financial stress for many borrowers.
The college does maintain a 0% federal loan default rate, suggesting that graduates generally avoid the most severe repayment difficulties. Yet loan repayment data shows that borrowers make slower progress paying down their balances compared with national patterns, with most still carrying substantial debt years after graduation. For families considering Davis & Elkins, the key question is whether the college's supportive environment and educational experience justify taking on debt that may be difficult to service given typical graduate earnings.
Davis & Elkins College Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
