At $23,774/yr net price, Goucher College graduates earn $53,023/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $19,023/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $23,774 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $95,096 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $53,023/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$19,023/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 60.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,998/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,176/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,034/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $27,178/yr |
| $110,001+ | $35,948/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economics. | Bachelor | $46,087 | $25,000 |
| Dance. | Bachelor | $32,925 | |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $29,685 | |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $28,816 | $26,000 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | Bachelor | $26,896 | $27,000 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | Bachelor | $25,194 | |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $25,194 | $20,000 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $20,596 | $26,000 |
The Risk Factor
60.0% of students at Goucher College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 40% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Goucher College delivers weak financial returns that make it difficult to justify for most students. With median post-graduation earnings of $53,023 against a net price of $23,774 annually, you face a challenging payback period even with the relatively manageable $26,000 median debt load.
Economics stands out as the only financially viable major, producing graduates who earn $46,087 with slightly lower debt at $25,000. Every other major shows concerning earning potential, with dance graduates earning just $32,925 and political science majors making $29,685. Psychology and romance language majors face particularly poor prospects, earning less than $30,000 while carrying debt loads that exceed their annual salaries.
Goucher's 60% graduation rate creates additional financial risk, meaning four out of ten students leave without completing their degree while still carrying debt. The 76.58% retention rate suggests many students recognize early that the investment may not pay off.
This school works financially for wealthy families who can afford full tuition without borrowing, or for students pursuing economics who secure significant merit aid. The low percentage receiving aid (31.23%) suggests limited need-based assistance, making Goucher particularly unsuitable for middle-class families who earn too much for aid but cannot afford the sticker price.
Students interested in liberal arts fields like psychology, political science, or foreign languages should look elsewhere. Regional competitors offer similar programs with better job placement networks and lower costs. Only consider Goucher if you can attend debt-free or if you are committed to economics and receive substantial merit scholarships that bring your net cost below $15,000 annually.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Goucher College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Goucher College graduates earn a median of $53,023 ten years after graduation, which is modest for a net cost of $23,774 per year. The 60% graduation rate means 4 out of 10 students don't finish, creating debt without a degree.
What are the best paying majors at Goucher College?
Economics graduates from Goucher earn about $46,087, making it the strongest financial return among programs. Dance, political science, and psychology majors earn significantly less, between $26,896 and $32,925.
How much debt do Goucher College students graduate with?
Typical Goucher graduates have $26,000 in student loans. With starting salaries around $53,000, this creates a manageable but not ideal debt-to-income ratio for most graduates.
Does Goucher College provide good financial aid to reduce costs?
The net price at Goucher averages $23,774 after aid, which represents significant discounting from the sticker price. However, this still requires substantial borrowing for most families given the earnings outcomes.