Daemen University
Daemen University is a private nonprofit university in Amherst, NY ranked #862 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B, enrolling about 1,643 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 68.3%. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Natural Sciences.
Academically, students benefit from a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, 75.7% first-year retention, and 58.9% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $18,693, about $1,695 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -19.9%, roughly 105.2 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $59,912. That's about $16,224 higher than national results. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Daemen University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Daemen University graduates 58.9% of students within six years and keeps 75.7% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Daemen University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $35,218 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $14,230 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $1,500 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $45,192 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 46.2% of Daemen University students receive Pell Grants — above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $10,773 to $25,356 depending on family income. Use Daemen University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $18,863/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $25,356/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $59,912
- 10-Year Median Earnings $59,912
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $15,041
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 67.0%
- Employment Rate 45.8%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Daemen University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Daemen University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Daemen University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Daemen University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Daemen University graduates earn $59,912 median, the -19.9% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 1,643
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 75.7%
- Graduation Rate 58.9%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 12:1
How to Get Into Daemen University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Daemen University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 68.3%, Daemen University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 68.3% acceptance rate, Daemen University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Daemen University undergraduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, Natural Sciences, and Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, Gen draw the most students.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 38.7%
- Natural Sciences 24.6%
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, Gen 4.0%
- Social Work 3.8%
- Psychology, General 3.5%
- Special Education and Teaching 2.8%
See more majors
- Accounting and Related Services 2.8%
- Biology, General 2.3%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $88,444
- 2. Natural Sciences $70,353
- 3. Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General $49,749
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Social Work $49,506
- 5. Psychology, General $48,790
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $128,120
- 2. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degree) $111,031
- 3. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degree) $77,038
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $71,915
- 5. Social Work (Master's Degree) $49,949
- 6. Public Health (Master's Degree) $48,955
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $88,444—81% more than Psychology, General ($48,790). Graduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing programs lead with $128,120 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Daemen University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degree, 165 graduates)
- Natural Sciences (Bachelor's Degree, 105 graduates)
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degree, 63 graduates)
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (First Professional Degree, 56 graduates)
- Accounting and Related Services (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, 48 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (34 programs)▼
- Natural Sciences
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Social Work
- Psychology, General
- Special Education and Teaching
- Accounting and Related Services
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Biology, General
- Marketing
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
- Design and Applied Arts
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- History
- Sustainability Studies
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Political Science and Government
- Legal Support Services
- International Business
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- English Language and Literature, General
- Communication and Media Studies
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
- Social Sciences, General
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Mathematics
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
Online Master's Degrees (11 programs)▼
- Special Education and Teaching
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Public Health
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Bioethics/Medical Ethics
- Accounting and Related Services
- International Business
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (4 programs)▼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Bioethics/Medical Ethics
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (4 programs)▼
- Accounting and Related Services
- Legal Support Services
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Human Resources Management and Services
Online First Professional Degrees (2 programs)▼
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 1,643
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 26.4%
- Female Students 73.7%
- Caucasian 73.8%
- Asian 4.0%
- Hispanic 6.6%
- Black 8.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients 46.2%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Daemen University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Daemen University's undergraduate population. Women make up 73.7% of the student body, while men represent 26.4%.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Daemen University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Daemen University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: The student body is 73.8% White, reflecting less racial diversity than the national average. Women make up 73.7% of undergraduates.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Daemen University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Daemen University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Daemen University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -19.9% ROI. Ranked #862 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $18,693 annual net price is moderately higher than state schools, offset somewhat by $59,912 median earnings. With 58.9% graduating within six years and 75.7% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Daemen University's Positioning
With a B grade and #862 ranking, Daemen University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $18,693 annually, Daemen University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 75.7% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $13,085 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -19.9% ROI and $59,912 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $8,693+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Daemen University ranks #862 of 1942 institutions, with 360 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 58.9% six-year graduation rate sits 3.6 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 75.7% first-year retention is 1.1 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -19.9% return on investment is 105.2 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $59,912 run about 37% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $18,693 is roughly $1,324 lower than the national median of $20,018.
Helpfulness for Students
- 12:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 75.7% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 45.8% employment rate within three years sits 22.4 points below national outcomes.
- Budget carefully for clinical travel, off-campus housing, and practicum fees to avoid surprise costs.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Daemen University, a private nonprofit university in Amherst, NY, secures a B grade in our latest review. It stands at #862 among 1942 schools Category results include Completion (B), Support (B), Career Outcomes (C+), and Affordability (B).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 75.7% of first-year students return, and roughly 58.9% finish within six years. Return on investment currently measures -19.9% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $18,693 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $45,192.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $26,499 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $15,041 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 46.2% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $59,912 at the median. Compared with the national median, that's 37% higher.
Employment outcomes report about 45.8% of alumni working within three years.
EDsmart lists the ROI at -19.9%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
68.3% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Daemen University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Amherst, NY 14226-3592
- Website www.daemen.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
- Endowment$24.7M