At $40,690/yr net price, Bryn Mawr College graduates earn $75,217/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $41,217/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $40,690 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $162,760 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $75,217/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$41,217/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 85.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,323/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,557/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,873/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,044/yr |
| $110,001+ | $49,566/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Work. | Master | $48,579 | $39,516 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $24,035 | |
| Anthropology. | Bachelor | $22,667 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $19,162 | $24,000 |
The Risk Factor
85.6% of students at Bryn Mawr College graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Bryn Mawr College delivers a mixed financial return that depends heavily on your major choice and career goals. The $40,690 net price puts significant pressure on graduates, especially those in lower-earning liberal arts fields.
Social Work represents the strongest earnings potential among tracked majors, though the $39,516 median debt load creates financial strain even for this relatively higher-paying field. English, Anthropology, and Liberal Arts graduates face challenging economics with starting salaries in the $20,000 range against substantial educational costs.
The college's financial aid picture presents a major red flag: only 14% of students receive need-based aid, suggesting either an extremely wealthy student body or limited institutional aid availability. This makes Bryn Mawr particularly risky if you need significant financial assistance to attend.
You should consider Bryn Mawr if you come from a family that can comfortably afford the full cost without borrowing, plan to pursue graduate school where the liberal arts foundation pays dividends, or have clear career paths that value the college's network and reputation over immediate earning power. The 85% graduation rate and strong retention suggest students who do attend generally succeed academically.
Skip Bryn Mawr if you need substantial aid, plan to enter the workforce immediately after graduation, or want strong earnings in your first decade out of college. The combination of high costs and modest early-career returns creates financial stress that could persist for years after graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bryn Mawr College worth the high tuition cost?
With a net price of $40,690 annually and median earnings of $75,217 after 10 years, Bryn Mawr offers moderate financial returns compared to its cost. The investment pays off better for certain majors, but many graduates face challenging debt-to-income ratios.
What are the best paying majors at Bryn Mawr College?
Social Work leads with $48,579 median earnings, while other popular programs like English ($24,035) and Anthropology ($22,667) show significantly lower returns. Liberal Arts graduates earn around $19,162, making debt repayment difficult at typical borrowing levels.
How much debt do Bryn Mawr College graduates typically have?
The median debt is $25,000, which is manageable for Social Work graduates but creates financial stress for humanities majors earning under $25,000. Many graduates in lower-paying fields struggle with standard loan repayment schedules.
Does Bryn Mawr College provide good financial aid to reduce costs?
The $40,690 net price suggests decent financial aid, but the school still costs significantly more than state alternatives. High-achieving students may find better value at institutions with stronger merit aid or lower base costs.