At $30,152/yr net price, Goddard College graduates earn $25,552/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $30,152 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $120,608 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $25,552/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-8,448/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 75.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $27,429/yr |
| $110,001+ | $35,596/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $44,942 | |
| Education, General. | Bachelor | $41,193 | |
| Education, General. | Master | $39,741 | $30,999 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Master | $38,127 | |
| Visual and Performing Arts, Other. | Master | $35,060 | $51,529 |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. | Master | $30,771 | $51,250 |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. | Bachelor | $24,035 |
The Risk Factor
75.0% of students at Goddard College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 25% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Goddard College delivers weak financial returns for most students, with median earnings of just $25,552 ten years after graduation despite a $30,152 annual net price. This creates a challenging payback scenario where your education costs more than what you'll likely earn in your first year out.
Psychology and education majors fare significantly better, with clinical psychology graduates earning $44,942 and education majors pulling in around $40,000 annually. These programs justify the investment in Vermont's job market where mental health services and educational roles offer steady employment. Liberal arts graduates earn $38,127, which remains below the break-even threshold given the school's costs.
Visual and performing arts presents the worst financial risk, combining below-average earnings of $35,060 with crushing debt loads of $51,529. You'll struggle to service this debt on an artist's typical income, making this program financially dangerous unless you have family wealth or alternative income sources.
Goddard works financially if you're pursuing psychology or education and can secure strong financial aid packages. The 52% of students receiving aid suggests merit opportunities exist, though the school doesn't offer enough institutional support to make most programs pencil out. The 100% retention rate indicates student satisfaction, but satisfaction doesn't pay loans.
Skip Goddard if you're debt-averse or pursuing arts programs without family financial backing. The individualized curriculum appeals to many students, but this educational model comes at a premium that most career paths cannot support. Consider less expensive state schools for liberal arts or stronger regional programs for creative fields where networking and job placement matter more than the degree itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Goddard College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Goddard College graduates earn a median of $25,552 ten years after graduation, which is below the national average for college graduates. With a net price of $30,152 per year, the financial return on investment is poor compared to most four-year institutions.
What are the highest paying majors at Goddard College?
Psychology graduates from Goddard College earn the highest median salary at $44,942, followed by Education majors at around $40,000. Liberal arts and visual arts programs show lower earnings potential, with graduates earning in the mid-to-upper $30,000 range.
How much student debt do Goddard College graduates typically have?
Goddard College graduates have a median debt of $18,750, which is relatively modest compared to many private colleges. However, given the low post-graduation earnings of $25,552, even this debt level may create financial strain for many graduates.
Does Goddard College have good graduation rates and job outcomes?
Goddard College has a 75% graduation rate, which is decent for a small private college. The main concern is post-graduation earnings, as most programs lead to relatively low-paying careers that may not justify the tuition costs.