At $21,900/yr net price, Allegheny College graduates earn $62,069/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $28,069/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,900 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $87,600 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $62,069/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$28,069/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 66.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,227/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,616/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,476/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,833/yr |
| $110,001+ | $28,466/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $43,314 | |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $41,087 | $26,750 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $37,363 | $27,000 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $33,993 | $27,000 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Bachelor | $32,925 | |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | Bachelor | $32,569 | $27,000 |
| Neurobiology and Neurosciences. | Bachelor | $30,771 | $27,000 |
| International Relations and National Security Studies. | Bachelor | $30,409 | $27,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $29,956 | $27,000 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | Bachelor | $28,816 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
66.5% of students at Allegheny College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 34% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Allegheny College delivers weak financial returns despite its reasonable net price of $21,900 annually. Your median earnings of $62,069 ten years after graduation barely justify the investment, particularly when you consider that one-third of students don't graduate within six years.
The earnings data reveals troubling patterns across Allegheny's popular majors. Mathematics graduates earn just $43,314 annually, while Economics majors make $41,087 despite carrying $26,750 in debt. English and Political Science graduates face even steeper uphill climbs with starting salaries in the mid-to-high $30,000s while servicing $27,000 in student loans. Fine Arts majors earn barely $32,925, making debt repayment particularly challenging.
Your biggest financial risk at Allegheny is the combination of modest earning potential with significant dropout risk. With only 84% of students returning for sophomore year and a 66% graduation rate, you face real chances of leaving with debt but no degree. The regional job market around Meadville, Pennsylvania offers limited high-paying opportunities, potentially forcing you to relocate for better career prospects.
Allegheny works financially if you receive substantial merit aid that drives your actual costs well below the $21,900 net price, or if you plan to pursue graduate school where your undergraduate major matters less than your academic preparation. Students targeting high-earning fields like medicine or law might find value in Allegheny's liberal arts foundation.
You should look elsewhere if you need strong immediate earning potential or want clear career pathways. The school's 25% financial aid rate suggests limited need-based assistance, making it particularly risky for middle-income families without significant merit scholarships.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Allegheny College worth the money?
Allegheny College graduates earn a median of $62,069 ten years after graduation, which is reasonable given the $27,000 median debt load. The $21,900 annual net price makes it more affordable than many private colleges, though the 66.5% graduation rate means one-third of students don't finish.
What are the best paying majors at Allegheny College?
Mathematics and Economics majors at Allegheny College see the strongest returns, earning over $40,000 annually. Liberal arts majors like English and Fine Arts earn significantly less at around $33,000, making the debt harder to justify for these programs.
How much debt do Allegheny College students graduate with?
Allegheny College graduates carry a median debt of $27,000, which is manageable compared to many private colleges. With typical starting salaries, most graduates can handle these payments without major financial strain.
Does Allegheny College provide good financial aid?
Allegheny College's $21,900 net price represents substantial aid from its $54,000 sticker price. The college meets about 60% of demonstrated need, making it accessible for middle-income families but still requiring significant family contribution.