Dean College

Dean offers small classes (average size: 16 students) with a focus on career-ready skills like critical thinking and teamwork. The most popular majors are Business Administration, Dance, and Sport and Fitness Management, reflecting the school’s pragmatic bent. Recent expansions added over a dozen new programs, including tracks in Finance and Global Studies. All students complete an internship, and the college promotes study-away programs to boost intercultural fluency—though specifics on participation rates aren’t public.

Life at Dean revolves around its tight-knit, residential community (1,000+ full-time students) and top-notch facilities. Housing options include single-sex and co-ed dorms, with students describing the vibe as a 'family.' There’s no Greek life, but the college leans into its performing arts roots—expect talent shows over tailgates. The YouTube channel showcases a lively campus with events like dance showcases and leadership workshops, though niche interests might require creating your own clubs.

Dean’s 96% post-grad employment/grad school rate is its crown jewel, though earnings start low: $36,427 at the one-year mark, rising to $38,109 after a decade. The six-year graduation rate is 53%, below the national average, suggesting some students struggle to persist—possibly due to the high sticker price relative to outcomes. Still, the internship requirement and career-focused curriculum clearly pay off for most.

At $71,608 for tuition, fees, and room/board, Dean is pricey for its tier, but 73.98% of students receive aid, bringing the average net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. down to $31,472. The college heavily promotes its scholarships and grants—use their net price calculator to gauge your actual cost. Still, with median graduate earnings barely above the net price, ROI is a legitimate question.

Dean’s niche is clear: a supportive, small-scale environment where B-students can thrive. The performing arts programs (especially dance) punch above their weight, and the universal internship requirement ensures grads leave with resume fodder. But it’s best for those who value hand-holding and job placement over prestige or academic rigor—and who can stomach the cost-benefit math.