At $28,314/yr net price, Hamilton College graduates earn $78,411/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $44,411/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $28,314 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $113,256 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $78,411/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$44,411/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 91.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $17,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,906/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,614/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,336/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,312/yr |
| $110,001+ | $50,232/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economics. | Bachelor | $63,501 | $17,500 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $59,045 | $16,275 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $53,894 | $12,500 |
| Chemistry. | Bachelor | $51,273 | |
| Public Policy Analysis. | Bachelor | $50,856 | $17,000 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | Bachelor | $50,439 | $12,000 |
| International Relations and National Security Studies. | Bachelor | $46,087 | $19,000 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $46,087 | |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $41,565 | |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
The Risk Factor
91.3% of students at Hamilton College graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Hamilton College gives you a strong financial return with low risk. You leave with a median debt of $17,000 and earn $78,411 ten years out, so your debt gets paid off fast. A 95.61% retention rate and 91.30% graduation rate mean you are very likely to finish, which is the biggest financial risk at most colleges and mostly off the table here.
Economics pays the most of any listed program at $63,501, followed by math at $59,045. These are the majors that turn Hamilton's price into a clear win. Political science and public policy sit lower near $51,000-$54,000, though poli sci comes with the lightest debt load at $12,500. Chemistry lands at $51,273. Note these are early-career program figures. the $78,411 median reflects the full alumni base ten years out and runs well above any single program line, so the payoff grows with time.
The financial picture depends heavily on family income. If your family earns under $30k, you pay $4,906 a year, and the $30-48k tier pays $8,614. That is a heavily discounted price for a degree that leads to strong earnings. The jump is steep in the middle: $48-75k families pay $18,336 and $75-110k families pay $21,312. If your family earns over $110k, you pay $50,232, close to full sticker.
Hamilton fits you well if you come from a lower- or middle-income family and plan to study economics, math, or a quantitative field. At under $9,000 a year against a $78,411 median outcome, the math strongly favors you. If your family earns over $110k and you plan to major in a lower-earning field, look hard at whether the $50,232 price justifies the return before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hamilton College worth the high cost of attendance?
Hamilton College graduates earn $78,411 annually after 10 years, which is solid but not exceptional given the school's selectivity and cost. The low median debt of $17,000 helps offset the high sticker price, but only if you qualify for significant financial aid.
What are the best paying majors at Hamilton College?
Economics leads at $63,501 annually, followed by Mathematics at $59,045. Liberal arts majors like Political Science ($53,894) and Chemistry ($51,273) show decent returns but lag behind more career-focused programs at other schools.
How much debt do Hamilton College students typically graduate with?
The median debt is $17,000, which is relatively low for a private college. This makes Hamilton more financially manageable than many peer institutions, assuming you receive adequate financial aid to bring costs down.
Does Hamilton College provide good financial aid to justify its costs?
With a net price of $28,314 after aid, Hamilton reduces costs significantly from its full sticker price. However, this aid is highly competitive given the 11.78% acceptance rate, so most applicants should have backup options.