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 gives you a solid but uneven financial return. Ten years out, the typical graduate earns $67,640, well above the net cost of attendance, and median debt of $26,000 stays close to that of a single year's earnings. A 65% graduation rate and 85% retention mean most who enroll stick around and finish, which protects you from the worst outcome: debt with no degree.
The program-level numbers tell a different story. The two majors with reported earnings, Business/Managerial Economics ($47,260) and Economics ($39,153), both start below the school's overall median and carry debt around $27,000. So these economics tracks graduate students who owe more than they earn in year one and land under the campus-wide average a decade out. The gap between those figures and the $67,640 median suggests other paths, or later career jumps, carry the earnings weight.
Your biggest risk here is picking a major on price alone. Paying $24,668 a year for an economics degree that starts near $40,000 puts you underwater early, and the return depends on advancement you can't count on at graduation.
Net price swings hard with income. If your family makes under $48,000, you pay around $12,500 a year, roughly half the sticker cost. Cross into the $48,000-$75,000 band and the price nearly doubles to about $23,800. Above $110,000, you pay $33,760. That middle-income jump is the sharpest, so a family earning $60,000 carries almost the same burden as one earning six figures.
This school fits you if you qualify for the low-income net price and plan a long career horizon. If you're a middle-income family or want a fast payback, weigh cheaper options first.
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.