At $33,998/yr net price, Connecticut College graduates earn $75,001/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $41,001/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $33,998 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $135,992 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $75,001/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$41,001/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 83.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,666/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $20,097/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $26,760/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $30,787/yr |
| $110,001+ | $44,604/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economics. | Bachelor | $54,522 | $23,125 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $45,696 | $24,425 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $42,682 | $20,670 |
| International Relations and National Security Studies. | Bachelor | $39,729 | $25,605 |
| History. | Bachelor | $39,369 | $21,500 |
| Area Studies. | Bachelor | $36,312 | $21,220 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | Bachelor | $35,060 | |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $35,060 | $24,125 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Bachelor | $32,925 | $21,500 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $32,284 | $23,625 |
The Risk Factor
83.7% of students at Connecticut College graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Connecticut College delivers mixed financial returns, with strong overall graduate earnings but significant program-to-program variation that makes your major choice critical. The $75,001 median salary after 10 years outpaces many liberal arts colleges, but this figure masks substantial disparities across departments.
Economics majors see the strongest payoff at $54,522 annually, though even this falls short of justifying the $33,998 annual net price for most families. Political Science graduates earn $45,696, while Sociology, International Relations, and History majors face more challenging financial prospects with starting salaries in the low $40,000s or below $40,000.
The school's 14.32% financial aid rate creates a significant financial risk if you need substantial assistance. Most students pay close to full price, making Connecticut College a particularly expensive choice for middle-income families who won't qualify for need-based aid but struggle with the cost burden. The relatively low $23,500 median debt suggests many students rely on family resources rather than borrowing.
Connecticut College works financially if your family can comfortably afford the full cost and you choose Economics or Political Science. The strong alumni network in the Northeast provides valuable career connections that may not show up in early salary data. However, if you need financial aid or plan to major in humanities fields, the return on investment becomes questionable.
The 83.70% graduation rate means roughly one in six students leave without a degree, creating additional financial risk. Given the high cost and limited aid availability, you should have clear career goals and family financial backing before committing to Connecticut College.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Connecticut College worth the cost compared to other liberal arts schools?
Connecticut College graduates earn $75,001 after 10 years, which is solid but not exceptional for a school with a $34,000 annual net price. The ROI is reasonable if you can graduate debt-free, but the value proposition weakens significantly with heavy borrowing.
What majors at Connecticut College have the best return on investment?
Economics majors earn the highest starting salaries at $54,522, making it the clear winner for ROI. Political Science ($45,696) and Sociology ($42,682) graduates earn considerably less, which may not justify the cost for debt-heavy students.
How much debt do Connecticut College students typically graduate with?
The median debt is $23,500, which is manageable given the 10-year earnings of $75,001. However, students borrowing significantly more than the median face a tougher path to positive ROI.
Does Connecticut College's financial aid make it affordable for middle-class families?
With a net price of $33,998, Connecticut College remains expensive even after aid for most middle-class families. The school's aid packages may not keep pace with the full cost of attendance, potentially leading to higher debt loads.