Students at Dordt University achieve notably strong long-term earnings that place the institution among the top quarter of colleges nationwide for financial outcomes.
Despite focusing on traditionally service-oriented fields, graduates consistently reach solid earning levels with excellent loan repayment success.
Dordt University is a small private Christian institution in Iowa that delivers notably strong long-term earnings for its graduates. While it serves a relatively selective student population with limited access for low-income students, those who attend see impressive financial outcomes that place the university in the 80th percentile nationally for earnings performance. Graduates earn a median of $52,559 ten years after enrollment, which is particularly strong given the university's focus on education, nursing, and other traditionally service-oriented fields.
The university's strength lies in its ability to prepare students for stable, well-paying careers despite its small size and specialized mission. With fewer than 1,500 students, Dordt provides an intimate learning environment where students receive personalized attention and develop strong professional networks. The institution's Christian foundation shapes both its academic approach and student culture, attracting families who prioritize faith integration alongside academic excellence.
For students who fit Dordt's profile, the combination of strong earnings outcomes, manageable debt levels, and a supportive campus community creates a compelling value proposition. The university demonstrates that small private institutions can deliver excellent return on investment when they maintain clear focus and strong connections to regional employers and graduate programs.
Dordt University's program portfolio reflects its mission-driven approach while delivering solid economic returns across key fields. The Adult and Continuing Education program stands out as the institution's largest economic engine, graduating 79 students who earn a median of $34,746 in roles that often lead to educational leadership and administrative positions. While starting salaries may appear modest, these graduates typically see steady advancement opportunities in school districts, educational nonprofits, and continuing education organizations.
Nursing represents the university's highest-earning program, with 21 graduates earning $56,776 early in their careers. This reflects both the strong regional demand for healthcare professionals and the quality of Dordt's nursing preparation, which emphasizes both clinical competence and the ethical foundation that many healthcare employers value. The program's smaller size allows for intensive clinical training and personalized mentorship that helps graduates secure competitive positions.
The university's focus on education and healthcare aligns with its Christian mission while providing graduates with stable career pathways. These fields offer not just immediate employment opportunities but also long-term advancement potential, as many graduates move into leadership roles, specialized practice areas, or advanced degree programs that further enhance their earning capacity over time.
Graduates of Dordt University achieve strong long-term financial outcomes that significantly exceed expectations for a small private Christian college. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $52,559, placing the university in the 80th percentile nationally for earnings performance. This is particularly impressive given that many graduates enter traditionally lower-paying but socially valuable fields like education, nursing, and social services.
The university's program mix reflects its mission-driven approach while still delivering solid economic returns. Adult and Continuing Education represents the largest program by total economic impact, with 79 graduates earning a median of $34,746 in early career roles that often lead to administrative and leadership positions in educational settings. Nursing graduates, while fewer in number at 21 per cohort, earn substantially more at $56,776 early in their careers, reflecting the strong demand for healthcare professionals and the quality of Dordt's nursing preparation.
What makes Dordt's return story compelling is how graduates translate their education into stable, meaningful careers with steady earning potential. The university's small size allows for intensive mentorship and professional development, while its Christian mission attracts students who often pursue careers in education, healthcare, social work, and ministry—fields where Dordt's values-based preparation provides a distinct advantage in hiring and advancement.
Affordability at Dordt University varies significantly by family income, with the institution serving primarily middle- and upper-income families. Low-income students face net prices around $20,966 annually, which is substantial for families with limited resources, while middle-income families pay approximately $23,110 per year. High-income families see net prices reach $31,607, reflecting the university's position as a private institution with limited need-based aid capacity.
The debt picture is generally manageable for most graduates, with typical federal student loan debt of $21,500 and Parent PLUS borrowing averaging $15,930. These levels are reasonable given the university's strong earnings outcomes, and the institution maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates successfully manage their repayment obligations. The combination of solid post-graduation earnings and moderate debt levels creates a sustainable financial foundation for most students.
What helps make Dordt affordable despite higher sticker prices is the predictability of costs and the university's commitment to helping students complete their degrees efficiently. With strong four-year graduation rates and clear pathways to employment, families can plan confidently for the total investment required and expect graduates to be financially prepared for loan repayment upon completion.
Dordt University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
