At $25,810/yr net price, Hampshire College graduates earn $46,938/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $12,938/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $25,810 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $103,240 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $46,938/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$12,938/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 57.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,893 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,636/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,008/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,586/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $26,760/yr |
| $110,001+ | $35,849/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $19,829 | $26,000 |
The Risk Factor
57.2% of students at Hampshire College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Hampshire College delivers weak financial returns with median earnings of $46,938 ten years after graduation, well below what you need to justify the $25,810 annual net price. The math gets worse when you consider that 57% of students don't graduate at all.
The college's signature Liberal Arts and Sciences program produces graduates earning just $19,829 annually while carrying $26,000 in debt. This creates an unsustainable debt-to-income ratio that will strain your finances for years. Hampshire's experimental, self-designed curriculum may sound appealing, but employers in the competitive Northeast job market often prefer candidates with clearly defined skills and recognized credentials.
Hampshire works financially only if you have substantial family wealth and view college purely as personal enrichment rather than career preparation. The 75% retention rate signals that even current students struggle with the fit. You face significant risk of dropping out without a degree while still owing money.
Financial aid reaches just 38% of students, limiting your chances of reducing costs through grants or scholarships. The college's small size and specialized approach mean fewer alumni networks and career services compared to larger institutions in the Five College Consortium.
Skip Hampshire if you need your degree to pay for itself. The combination of high costs, low earnings, and poor graduation rates creates financial risk that most families cannot afford. Consider state schools or colleges with stronger career placement records in your intended field instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hampshire College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Hampshire College graduates earn $46,938 ten years after enrollment, which is below the national average for four-year colleges. With a net price of $25,810 annually and median debt of $26,893, the return on investment is weak compared to most colleges.
What programs at Hampshire College have the best job prospects?
Hampshire College's top programs are Liberal Arts and Sciences and General Studies, which typically lead to lower starting salaries around $19,829. The school's self-designed curriculum approach makes it difficult to identify specific high-earning majors.
How much debt do Hampshire College students typically graduate with?
Hampshire College graduates carry a median debt of $26,893. With post-graduation earnings of $46,938, this debt level is manageable but the low graduation rate of 57% means many students leave with debt but no degree.
Does Hampshire College provide good financial aid to make it affordable?
Hampshire College's net price of $25,810 reflects financial aid, but this is still high relative to graduate earning potential. The school's unique structure appeals to some students, but the financial return doesn't justify the cost for most.