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 delivers strong financial returns despite its high sticker price, with graduates earning a median of $78,411 ten years out while carrying just $17,000 in debt. The school's 91% graduation rate and 96% retention rate mean you're highly likely to finish your degree and see returns on your investment.
Economics majors lead the earnings pack at Hamilton, though their $63,501 median salary trails the overall school median by a significant margin. This gap suggests Hamilton's value comes from its alumni network and liberal arts preparation rather than specific technical training. Mathematics and political science graduates also perform well, while chemistry majors earn surprisingly little given the field's typical prospects.
Your biggest financial risk at Hamilton is the potential for significant family contribution requirements. Only 18% of students receive need-based aid, indicating the school expects most families to pay close to full price. This makes Hamilton primarily viable for wealthy families or students with strong merit credentials.
Hamilton works financially if you can afford the net price without excessive borrowing and plan to leverage the school's strong alumni connections in finance, consulting, or graduate school admissions. The school's location in rural New York limits local internship opportunities, making those alumni networks important for career launching.
Skip Hamilton if you need substantial financial aid or want clear career preparation in high-paying technical fields. The school's liberal arts focus serves students well in competitive white-collar careers but offers limited value for those seeking direct job training or state school affordability.
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.