At $29,800/yr net price, Hartwick College graduates earn $61,107/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $27,107/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $29,800 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $119,200 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $61,107/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$27,107/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 46.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $26,633/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $29,759/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $30,440/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $31,596/yr |
| $110,001+ | $30,012/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $60,410 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $32,213 | $23,250 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $30,409 | $27,000 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $28,960 | $27,000 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $28,960 | |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $21,234 | |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $21,052 | $24,335 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Bachelor | $19,683 |
The Risk Factor
46.2% of students at Hartwick 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
Hartwick College delivers weak financial returns that make it hard to justify the $29,800 annual cost. With a 46% graduation rate, more than half of students leave without degrees, creating significant financial risk for families investing in this education.
The nursing program stands out as the only solid financial choice, with graduates earning $60,410 annually. However, even this strongest program pays less than typical nursing salaries elsewhere. Business majors face particularly poor outcomes, earning just $32,213 despite similar debt loads to other programs. Psychology and biology graduates earn under $29,000, barely above what many positions require without college degrees.
The low 71% retention rate signals academic struggles that increase your risk of dropping out with debt but no degree. Combined with the graduation rate, this suggests serious institutional challenges that directly threaten your investment.
Hartwick works financially only if you plan to study nursing and are confident you'll complete the program. The school's location in rural New York limits local job opportunities, making career placement more difficult after graduation. With 35% of students receiving aid, merit scholarships may be available, but the underlying value remains questionable.
Skip Hartwick unless nursing is your definite path and you've compared costs to community college nursing programs or public universities with stronger nursing reputations. The combination of high costs, low graduation rates, and poor earnings outcomes across most majors makes this a risky financial choice for most students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hartwick College worth the cost?
Hartwick College's $29,800 annual cost produces mixed returns, with graduates earning $61,107 after 10 years. The nursing programs justify the expense with $60,410 median earnings, but other majors like sociology and psychology struggle to reach $30,000.
What are the best paying majors at Hartwick College?
Nursing programs at Hartwick College offer the strongest financial returns, with graduates earning around $60,410 annually. Business majors earn significantly less at $32,213, while liberal arts fields like sociology and psychology plateau around $29,000.
How much debt do Hartwick College students graduate with?
Hartwick College graduates typically carry $27,000 in student debt, which is manageable for nursing majors but creates financial strain for lower-earning fields. The 46% graduation rate means many students accumulate debt without completing their degree.
Does Hartwick College have good job placement after graduation?
Hartwick College's 46% graduation rate indicates significant completion challenges that can impact career outcomes. Nursing graduates find strong job prospects, but the low graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish their programs and enter their intended careers.