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 is one of the strongest financial bets in higher education, with graduates earning six figures a decade out and a debt load that stays under one year's starting salary. The 93.8% graduation rate and 96.62% retention mean you finish, which is where most ROI failures happen elsewhere.
Computer Science is the standout, paying the most and carrying the lowest debt of the listed programs. Math and Computer Science lands close behind. General Engineering pays a lot less by comparison, though it still clears most bachelor's outcomes nationally. If you come here for CS, the math works. If you come for engineering, you'll still earn well but give up meaningful ground against your CS classmates for a similar price.
The financial risk here is narrow but real: this is a demanding STEM-only school, and the payoff assumes you graduate in a technical major. There are no soft-landing degrees. If a technical program isn't the right fit for you, the high price buys you far less.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families sharply. If your family earns $30k-$48k, you pay under $7,000 a year, and even under $30k stays modest. The oddity is the $48k-$110k band, where you pay roughly the same regardless of which end you sit on. Above $110k, you pay full freight over $50k a year, so the return depends entirely on landing a CS or engineering role after graduation.
This school fits you if you're committed to CS, math, or engineering and want a near-guaranteed high-earning outcome. If you're unsure about a technical major, or you're in the upper income band and paying full price, look at cheaper STEM programs before committing.
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.