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's financial picture is mixed and depends heavily on what you study. The $75,217 median earnings ten years out beat the sticker price, and an 85.6% graduation rate paired with median debt of $25,000 means you likely finish and don't drown in loans. But the program-level earnings tell a rougher story.
The three bachelor's programs with reported earnings , English, Anthropology, and general humanities , all pay under $25,000 a year early on. If you major in these, your first decade of income lands well below the school-wide median. That gap means the graduates lifting the $75,217 figure are studying something else, likely STEM or heading to graduate school, where the real payoff shows up. Bryn Mawr works financially if you pick a field with strong earnings or plan for an advanced degree. The humanities-only path here is a weak financial bet on its own.
The specific risk is picking a low-earning major and stopping at the bachelor's. English graduates earning $24,035 against $25,000 in debt face a slow climb. This is a school that rewards a clear post-graduation plan, not a default humanities track.
The income-based net price is where Bryn Mawr shines for lower earners. Under $30k income, you pay $3,323. between $30-48k, $4,557. That's near-free for families with modest means. The jump is steep after that: $75-110k income pays $25,044, and above $110k pays close to full freight at $49,566.
Bryn Mawr is a strong financial fit if your family earns under $48k or you'll pursue high-earning or graduate-bound fields. If your family earns over $110k and you want a humanities degree with no graduate plans, look hard at the math before committing.
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.