At $24,668/yr net price, Hampden-Sydney College graduates earn $67,640/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $33,640/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $24,668 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $98,672 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $67,640/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$33,640/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 65.3% |
| 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 | $12,552/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,732/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $23,831/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,295/yr |
| $110,001+ | $33,760/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Managerial Economics. | Bachelor | $47,260 | $26,970 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $39,153 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
65.3% of students at Hampden-Sydney College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 35% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Hampden-Sydney College delivers below-average returns for a private institution, with median earnings of $67,640 ten years after graduation falling short of what you need to justify the investment. The school's 65% graduation rate creates significant risk that you won't finish your degree, making the financial gamble even steeper.
Business and economics majors face particularly weak prospects, with business graduates earning just $47,260 annually while carrying $26,970 in debt. Economics majors fare worse at $39,153 with similar debt loads. These earnings barely exceed what many public school graduates achieve without the premium price tag.
The school's all-male environment limits your networking potential in today's co-ed professional world, and its rural Virginia location restricts internship and job opportunities compared to urban campuses. Only 22% of students receive financial aid, signaling limited merit scholarship opportunities for middle-income families.
Hampden-Sydney makes financial sense only if you receive substantial family support that eliminates borrowing needs, or if you plan to leverage the alumni network for opportunities in traditional Southern business circles. If you need loans or want maximum career flexibility, you'll find better value at Virginia's public universities or other regional private schools with stronger earning outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hampden-Sydney College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Hampden-Sydney graduates earn $67,640 ten years after enrollment, which is solid but not exceptional for the $24,668 annual net price. The school's 65% graduation rate is concerning and below average for private colleges.
What are the best paying majors at Hampden-Sydney College?
Business/Managerial Economics graduates earn around $47,260, while Economics majors make about $39,153. These numbers are modest compared to what similar programs produce at other schools.
How much student debt do Hampden-Sydney College graduates typically have?
The median debt load is $26,000, which is manageable given graduate earnings. Most students can reasonably pay this back within 10 years of graduation.
Does Hampden-Sydney College provide good financial aid to reduce costs?
The net price of $24,668 suggests decent financial aid, bringing costs down from the full sticker price. However, one in three students still don't graduate, making the investment risky regardless of aid received.