At $32,492/yr net price, Harvey Mudd College graduates earn $138,687/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $104,687/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $32,492 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $129,968 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $138,687/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$104,687/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 93.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,340/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,818/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,937/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,551/yr |
| $110,001+ | $52,642/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $142,581 | $22,949 |
| Mathematics and Computer Science. | Bachelor | $122,038 | $23,000 |
| Engineering, General. | Bachelor | $81,997 | $22,240 |
The Risk Factor
93.8% of students at Harvey Mudd College graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Harvey Mudd College delivers strong financial returns despite its high sticker price. Your median earnings of $138,687 ten years after graduation rank among the highest nationally, making the $32,492 annual net price a solid investment for most graduates.
Computer science majors see the strongest payoff at $142,581 annually with manageable debt loads around $23,000. Mathematics and computer science graduates earn $122,038, while general engineering majors earn $81,997. The engineering figure appears surprisingly low for Mudd, but this likely reflects the broad "general engineering" category rather than specific engineering disciplines where Mudd excels.
Your biggest financial risk is the school's intense academic environment. The 93.8% graduation rate, while strong, means some students don't finish despite accumulating debt. Only 14.1% of students receive need-based aid, signaling that most families pay substantial amounts out of pocket.
Harvey Mudd makes financial sense if you can handle the academic rigor and plan to work in high-paying tech or engineering roles. The school's Silicon Valley proximity and industry connections justify the investment for STEM-focused students. You should look elsewhere if you need significant financial aid, prefer less intense academics, or want to study fields outside STEM where the salary premium won't offset costs.
The college offers merit scholarships but competition is fierce. Your best cost strategy involves maximizing outside scholarships and summer internships, which Mudd students typically secure at top tech companies with strong compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Harvey Mudd College worth the high cost?
Harvey Mudd graduates earn $138,687 ten years after graduation, which is among the highest in the country. With a median debt of $25,000 and strong financial aid bringing costs down to about $32,500 annually, the math works out favorably for most students.
What Harvey Mudd College programs have the best ROI?
Computer Science leads with average earnings of $142,581, followed by Mathematics and Computer Science at $122,038. Even the lower-paying Engineering program still averages $81,997, which easily justifies the investment.
How much debt do Harvey Mudd College students typically graduate with?
The median debt is $25,000, which is relatively low given the school's high sticker price. Strong financial aid helps keep debt manageable compared to similar private colleges.
Does Harvey Mudd College financial aid make it affordable?
The average net price of $32,492 is significantly lower than the full cost, indicating substantial aid for many families. However, this is still expensive compared to public alternatives, though the earning potential helps offset the cost.