At $25,210/yr net price, Haverford College graduates earn $79,966/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $45,966/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $25,210 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $100,840 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $79,966/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$45,966/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 89.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $13,621 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,600/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,619/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,500/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,041/yr |
| $110,001+ | $44,137/yr |
The Risk Factor
89.4% of students at Haverford College graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Haverford College delivers strong financial returns despite its elite liberal arts positioning. Your median earnings of nearly $80,000 ten years post-graduation significantly outpace most liberal arts colleges, while the relatively low debt load keeps your financial risk manageable.
Economics and computer science majors at Haverford command the highest starting salaries, benefiting from the school's proximity to Philadelphia's finance sector and growing tech scene. Psychology and English majors face tougher initial earning prospects, though Haverford's alumni network opens doors that raw salary data doesn't capture. The college's strong graduate school placement rates mean many students delay peak earning years for advanced degrees.
Your biggest financial risk is the sticker price. With only 14% of students receiving need-based aid, most families pay close to full cost. Merit scholarships are virtually nonexistent at Haverford, making it financially viable mainly for high-income families or those qualifying for substantial need-based aid.
Haverford makes financial sense if your family income exceeds $200,000 or falls below $75,000 where aid becomes meaningful. Middle-income families often get squeezed hardest here. The school's honor code and collaborative culture attract students who value academic integrity over grade competition, but this philosophical fit matters less if you're stretching financially.
Consider Haverford if you're targeting graduate school, consulting, or finance careers where the alumni network provides substantial value. Look elsewhere if you need merit aid or want pre-professional programs like engineering or business that Haverford doesn't offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Haverford College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Haverford's $25,210 net price delivers strong value with graduates earning $79,966 after 10 years and low median debt of $13,621. The 89% graduation rate and selective admissions suggest good outcomes for students who get in.
What is the return on investment for Haverford College graduates?
Haverford graduates earn nearly $80,000 within 10 years while carrying relatively low debt loads. The liberal arts focus means earnings vary widely by career path, but the strong alumni network and high graduation rate support good long-term prospects.
How much debt do Haverford College students typically have?
Haverford students graduate with a median debt of $13,621, which is well below the national average. The school's generous financial aid keeps net costs around $25,000 annually for most families.
Which majors at Haverford College have the best job prospects?
Economics, computer science, and pre-med tracks tend to lead to higher-paying careers from Haverford. However, as a liberal arts college, the school emphasizes broad education over career-specific training, so outcomes depend heavily on individual career choices.