At $21,924/yr net price, Beloit College graduates earn $53,260/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $19,260/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,924 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $87,696 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $53,260/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$19,260/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 67.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,738 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $16,637/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,610/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,491/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,700/yr |
| $110,001+ | $28,465/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemistry. | Bachelor | $40,821 | $21,968 |
| Business/Managerial Economics. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $27,000 |
| Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences. | Bachelor | $37,208 | |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | Bachelor | $32,382 | |
| Education, General. | Bachelor | $30,926 | $24,456 |
| English Language and Literature/Letters, Other. | Bachelor | $29,685 | |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $28,133 | $26,466 |
| International Relations and National Security Studies. | Bachelor | $26,933 | |
| History. | Bachelor | $26,353 | |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $25,658 | $26,425 |
The Risk Factor
67.2% of students at Beloit College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 33% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Beloit College delivers mediocre financial returns with significant risks for most students. The median earnings of $53,260 after ten years barely justify the investment, especially considering the 33% of students who never graduate.
Your major choice matters enormously here. Chemistry graduates earn $40,821 annually with relatively low debt loads, making it the strongest financial bet. Business and cellular biology also show decent returns. However, education majors face a particularly rough financial reality, earning just $30,926 while carrying $24,456 in debt. Romance language graduates earn slightly more but the job market remains challenging.
The college presents two major financial risks: the high dropout rate means one-third of students leave with debt but no degree, and the limited alumni network in a small Wisconsin town offers fewer career connections than urban campuses. The median debt of $25,738 isn't excessive, but it becomes problematic when paired with below-average earnings.
Beloit works financially for students pursuing chemistry or pre-health tracks who can leverage the small class sizes for graduate school preparation. Students from wealthy families who don't need strong earnings can also benefit from the liberal arts experience. However, first-generation college students and those needing immediate career prospects should look elsewhere.
The financial aid picture shows only 29% of students receiving aid, suggesting limited need-based support. Merit scholarships exist but aren't widely distributed. Your best cost strategy involves negotiating aid packages and seriously considering in-state public alternatives that offer better value for similar programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Beloit College worth the debt and tuition costs?
With graduates earning $53,260 after 10 years and median debt of $25,738, Beloit College provides a manageable debt-to-income ratio. The net price of $21,924 per year is reasonable for a private liberal arts college, though career outcomes vary significantly by major.
What are the highest paying majors at Beloit College?
Chemistry leads with $40,821 average earnings, followed by Business/Managerial Economics at $38,289. Education majors earn the least at $30,926, creating a $10,000 gap between the highest and lowest paying programs.
Does Beloit College have good financial aid for students?
The net price of $21,924 suggests decent financial aid, bringing costs down from the full sticker price. However, with a 67% graduation rate, one in three students don't complete their degree, potentially leaving them with debt but no diploma.
How does Beloit College ROI compare to other schools?
Beloit College graduates earn below the national average for college graduates, with $53,260 representing modest returns on investment. The 65% acceptance rate indicates it's not highly selective, which typically correlates with lower post-graduation earnings.