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Defiance College

Defiance, OH·Private nonprofit·454 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want small classes and close faculty access. graduation rate is below 40%; freshman retention is below 65%. financial aid brings net price below sticker.

42%
Accept
454
Students
$23,722
Net Price
37%
Grad Rate
$46,500
Earnings
10 yr
$11,000
Debt

About This School

Defiance College is a private nonprofit institution located in Defiance, Ohio with approximately 454 undergraduate students enrolled. The school is moderately selective, accepting approximately 42% of applicants. The average net price after financial aid is $23,722 per year. The graduation rate is 37%, and the typical graduate earns $46,500 within 10 years of enrollment.

The Defiance College is a private college in Defiance, Ohio, United States. Affiliated with the United Church of Christ, the campus includes eighteen buildings and access to the 200-acre (80.9 ha) Thoreau Wildlife Sanctuary. The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: a 37% graduation rate and 61% freshman retention rate suggest many students don't finish, which is a serious concern worth digging into before committing. On the positive side, median debt at graduation is a relatively low $11,000, and the small campus of 454 students means you're unlikely to get lost in the crowd. Worth considering if you're drawn to a close-knit, faith-affiliated environment and have a clear plan to stay on track — but ask hard questions about student support and why so many students leave.

Founded
1850
Setting
Distant town

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing18%
Education15%
Visual & Performing Arts7%
Biological Sciences6%
Health Professions3%
Computer Science2%
Psychology2%
Communications1%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

John AshtonTerence T. Henricks

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite20

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$38,778
Out-of-State Tuition
$38,778
Avg Net Price
$23,722
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants48%
Median debt at graduation$11,000

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
37%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
61%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$46,500
after enrollment
Median Debt
$11,000
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$11,000
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$32,900
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$46,500
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 4.2x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White63%
Black26%
Hispanic/Latino8%
Asian1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (454 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Defiance College

701 N Clinton St.

Defiance, OH 43512

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Ohio

Browse all Ohio schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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