At $30,086/yr net price, Gettysburg College graduates earn $71,517/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $37,517/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $30,086 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $120,344 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $71,517/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$37,517/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 82.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,999 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,666/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,191/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,407/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $27,423/yr |
| $110,001+ | $42,579/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economics. | Bachelor | $55,964 | $26,812 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $47,595 | $27,000 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $39,369 | $26,749 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $36,560 | $27,000 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $34,348 | $26,242 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $32,391 | $25,257 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | Bachelor | $31,305 | $24,889 |
| Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences. | Bachelor | $31,305 | $27,000 |
| History. | Bachelor | $28,598 | $27,000 |
| Philosophy. | Bachelor | $26,353 | $26,000 |
The Risk Factor
82.7% of students at Gettysburg College graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Gettysburg College delivers solid financial returns for a liberal arts school, with median earnings of $71,517 after ten years and relatively manageable debt levels around $27,000. The 83% graduation rate suggests you'll likely finish your degree, though the steep $30,086 annual net price means you're paying premium rates even after aid.
Economics majors see the strongest payoff at nearly $56,000 annually, making it the clear winner financially. Business administration follows at $47,595, offering decent returns for the investment. Political science, psychology, and English majors face tougher financial prospects, with English graduates earning just $34,348 despite carrying similar debt loads.
The biggest risk here is the low financial aid participation rate of just 21%, meaning most families pay close to full price. This makes Gettysburg particularly expensive for middle-class families who don't qualify for need-based aid but struggle with the high sticker price. Merit aid opportunities appear limited given these numbers.
Gettysburg works financially if you're targeting economics or business, come from a high-income family that can afford the costs without strain, or plan to leverage the strong alumni network in the Mid-Atlantic region where the school has name recognition. Skip it if you're considering lower-earning majors like English or psychology, need substantial financial aid, or want maximum return on investment. The location in rural Pennsylvania also limits internship and job opportunities compared to urban campuses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gettysburg College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Gettysburg College graduates earn $71,517 ten years after graduation, which is decent but not outstanding for a school with a $30,086 annual net price. The median debt of $27,000 is manageable, but you'll find better ROI at many state schools or other private colleges with stronger earning outcomes.
What are the best paying majors at Gettysburg College?
Economics majors at Gettysburg College earn the most at $55,964, followed by business majors at $47,595. Liberal arts majors like English ($34,348) and psychology ($36,560) earn significantly less, making the debt harder to justify for those programs.
How much student debt do Gettysburg College graduates typically have?
The median debt for Gettysburg College graduates is $26,999, which is reasonable compared to many private schools. However, with starting salaries around $71,517, graduates will still spend several years paying off loans even with this moderate debt load.
Does Gettysburg College provide good financial aid to make it affordable?
Gettysburg College's net price of $30,086 suggests decent financial aid since the sticker price is much higher. Still, this annual cost adds up to over $120,000 for four years, which many families will struggle to afford without significant borrowing.