Grade D Colleges (2026)

26 school-major combinations with ROI Score 35-49/100. Below-average ROI with debt levels that may be difficult to repay.

Programs

45/100

Avg ROI Score

$45K

Avg Median Debt

$42K

Avg Year 1 Earnings

All Grade D Programs

#	School	Major	ROI Score	Debt	Earnings (1yr)	Verdict
1	Albertus Magnus College	Fine and Studio Arts	49/100	$40,383	$42,000	CAUTION
2	American Baptist College	Theology and Religious Vocations, Other	49/100	$36,840	$40,000	CAUTION
3	Bethany College	Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas	49/100	$43,004	$45,000	CAUTION
4	Bethany College	Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods	49/100	$43,004	$45,000	CAUTION
5	College of Our Lady of the Elms	Health and Physical Education/Fitness	49/100	$41,728	$42,000	CAUTION
6	Colorado Christian University	Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries	49/100	$36,964	$40,000	CAUTION
7	Abilene Christian University	Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft	48/100	$41,017	$42,000	CAUTION
8	Bowie State University	English Language and Literature	48/100	$49,988	$48,000	CAUTION
9	College of Our Lady of the Elms	Social Work	48/100	$41,728	$42,000	CAUTION
10	Colorado Christian University	Bible/Biblical Studies	48/100	$36,964	$40,000	CAUTION
11	Abilene Christian University	Theology and Religious Vocations, Other	47/100	$39,064	$40,000	CAUTION
12	Alfred University	Fine and Studio Arts	47/100	$41,836	$42,000	CAUTION
13	Bethany College	Social Work	47/100	$43,004	$42,000	CAUTION
14	Bowie State University	Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods	46/100	$47,608	$45,000	CAUTION
15	Bowie State University	Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas	46/100	$47,608	$45,000	CAUTION
16	Bowie State University	Health and Physical Education/Fitness	44/100	$47,608	$42,000	CAUTION
17	Bowie State University	Social Work	43/100	$47,608	$42,000	CAUTION
18	Bowie State University	Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services	42/100	$47,608	$42,000	CAUTION
19	Art Academy of Cincinnati	Design and Applied Arts	41/100	$48,388	$42,000	CAUTION
20	Art Academy of Cincinnati	Fine and Studio Arts	41/100	$48,388	$42,000	CAUTION
21	Art Academy of Cincinnati	Film/Video and Photographic Arts	41/100	$48,388	$42,000	CAUTION
22	Art Academy of Cincinnati	Visual and Performing Arts	41/100	$48,388	$42,000	CAUTION
23	Beverly Hills Design Institute	Design and Applied Arts	41/100	$48,665	$42,000	CAUTION
24	Bowie State University	Design and Applied Arts	40/100	$49,988	$42,000	CAUTION
25	Bowie State University	Fine and Studio Arts	40/100	$49,988	$42,000	CAUTION
26	Bowie State University	Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft	40/100	$49,988	$42,000	CAUTION

Browse by Grade

Grade A Grade B Grade C Grade D Grade F

Frequently Asked Questions

A grade D means the school-major combination scored 35-49 out of 100 on our ROI Score. Below-average ROI with debt levels that may be difficult to repay.

26 school-major combinations currently hold a grade D. The average debt for these programs is $45K with average first-year earnings of $42K.

The ROI Score (0-100) weighs five factors: debt-to-income ratio (35%), earnings premium vs national average (25%), job market outlook (20%), graduation rate (10%), and debt vs national average for that major (10%). The letter grade maps directly from this score.

Sources: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, Bureau of Labor Statistics

Last updated: March 2026

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, 2026.