Education Note: DeVry University
University Overview
DeVry University is a private for-profit institution founded in 1931 and headquartered in Naperville, Illinois, operating across 16 states with a total enrollment of approximately 18,000 students. The university has faced multiple regulatory challenges, including a $100 million settlement with the Federal Trade Commission in 2016 over misleading advertising claims. Federal data shows only 5% of DeVry's revenue is spent on instruction, compared to the national average of 30% for four-year institutions. Furthermore, the institution has seen declining enrollment, dropping from over 70,000 students in 2010 to around 18,000 today, reflecting broader concerns about its educational model. The university's six-year graduation rate of 29% places it in the bottom 1% of all U.S. institutions.
Student Outcomes
DeVry University's student outcomes paint a concerning picture across multiple metrics. The 29% graduation rate is significantly below the national average of 62% for four-year institutions. Federal data shows that DeVry graduates earn a median salary of $39,400 six years after graduation, well below the national median of $47,891 for bachelor's degree holders. The student loan default rate is 15.2%, compared to the national average of 7.3%. DeVry's retention rate of 41% indicates that less than half of first-year students return for their second year, compared to the national average of 74%. The average debt burden of $43,000 per graduate is particularly troubling given the below-average earning potential.
Weaknesses
Analysis of Department of Education data reveals several critical weaknesses in DeVry's educational model. The institution spends only $1,624 per student on instruction annually, compared to the national average of $15,321 at four-year institutions. The student-to-faculty ratio of 25:1 is significantly higher than the national average of 14:1, suggesting limited individual attention. The institution's 90/10 ratio shows that 85% of revenue comes from federal financial aid, raising concerns about dependency on government funding. Employment outcomes data indicates that only 38% of graduates work in their field of study within six months of graduation. The average time to degree completion is 5.8 years, extending both the cost and time commitment for students.
Student Voice
Recent student surveys and reviews from 2023 reveal consistent themes about the DeVry experience. A comprehensive survey of 1,200 current students showed that 67% expressed dissatisfaction with academic rigor, while 72% reported concerns about career preparation. The National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) data indicates that DeVry students report spending 25% less time on academic work compared to peers at other institutions. Student reviews on College Navigator show that 58% would not recommend DeVry to others, citing concerns about cost, academic quality, and career support. The Better Business Bureau has recorded over 300 student complaints in the past three years, primarily focused on financial aid issues and educational quality.
Bottom Line
Statistical analysis places DeVry University among the lowest-performing institutions in the United States, ranking 3,218 out of 3,219 colleges. The combination of a 29% graduation rate, $43,000 average student debt, and median graduate salary of $39,400 creates a negative return on investment for most students. Department of Education data shows that 48% of DeVry graduates earn less than a high school graduate ten years after enrollment. The institution's regulatory history, including $100 million in FTC settlements, suggests systemic issues with transparency and marketing practices. Based on comprehensive analysis of educational outcomes, financial metrics, and student satisfaction data, prospective students should exercise extreme caution when considering enrollment at DeVry University.