At $38,876/yr net price, Babson College graduates earn $123,938/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $89,938/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $38,876 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $155,504 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $123,938/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$89,938/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 92.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $21,270/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,369/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,924/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $35,383/yr |
| $110,001+ | $58,685/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $103,078 | $50,194 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $67,101 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $61,600 | $22,766 |
The Risk Factor
92.4% of students at Babson College graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Babson gives you one of the strongest ROI cases you can find at a business-focused school. Median earnings ten years out clear $123,000, while median debt sits at just $20,000. You leave owing less than a third of what many peers borrow, and you earn enough to clear it fast.
The catch is that Babson is a one-track school. Business Administration, Management and Operations is the bachelor's program driving the numbers here, with early-career pay near $61,600. If you want business, this focus is the point. If you're unsure whether business is your path, the specialization works against you, because there's no fallback major with comparable payoff listed.
The 92% graduation rate and 94% retention rate mean the financial risk of dropping out with debt and no degree is low. Most people who start finish, and finishing is what makes the earnings math work. Wellesley's spot in the Boston metro puts you next to a deep finance, consulting, and startup job market, which supports those early-career salaries.
Net price is where families need to look hard. If your family earns under $48,000, your real cost drops to the $14,000-$21,000 range per year, which makes Babson genuinely affordable given the earnings on the other side. Above $110,000, you're looking at nearly $59,000 a year with little discount. At that price you're betting close to a quarter-million dollars on a business career.
Babson is a good financial fit if you're committed to business and can either access the lower net-price tiers or absorb full freight against strong expected pay. Look elsewhere if you want a broad academic menu, since the payoff data here begins and ends with business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Babson College worth the cost for business majors?
Babson's business administration graduates earn a median of $103,078 starting salary, which helps justify the $38,876 annual net price. However, accounting majors only see $67,101 median earnings, making the ROI less attractive for that program.
How much debt do Babson College graduates typically have?
The median debt at Babson is $20,000, which is relatively low compared to many private colleges. This manageable debt load helps improve the overall return on investment for most graduates.
What are Babson College graduates earning 10 years after graduation?
Babson graduates earn a median of $123,938 ten years post-graduation. This puts them in the upper tier of college earnings, though the high net price means it takes longer to see positive ROI compared to less expensive schools.
Is Babson College worth it compared to other business schools?
Babson offers strong business outcomes with a 92% graduation rate and solid post-graduation earnings. The relatively low debt burden makes it a better value than many comparable private business schools, though state schools may offer better pure ROI.