At $23,409/yr net price, Hendrix College graduates earn $60,376/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $26,376/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $23,409 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $93,636 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $60,376/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$26,376/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 69.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,688 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,343/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $21,032/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,853/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,645/yr |
| $110,001+ | $26,203/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economics. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $27,000 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $25,194 | $27,000 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $22,652 | $26,975 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | Bachelor | $16,478 |
The Risk Factor
69.2% of students at Hendrix College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 31% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Hendrix College delivers weak financial returns that don't justify its costs for most students. The median 10-year earnings of $60,376 barely exceed what many community college graduates earn, while you'll pay over $23,000 annually and graduate with nearly $27,000 in debt.
The Economics program shows the strongest financial performance at $38,289 in early-career earnings, but even this falls short of what economics majors earn at peer institutions. English Literature graduates face particularly poor outcomes at just $25,194 annually. Psychology majors earn only $22,652, making it nearly impossible to service student loans comfortably. Romance Languages graduates earn a concerning $16,478, creating serious financial hardship.
Your biggest risk at Hendrix is the low 69% graduation rate combined with high costs. Nearly one in three students leaves without a degree but still carries debt. The 78% retention rate signals that many students recognize the poor value proposition early.
Only 23% of students receive financial aid, suggesting limited need-based support. This makes Hendrix viable primarily for wealthy families who can pay full price without borrowing. If you need financial aid or plan to take loans, look elsewhere.
Consider Hendrix only if your family can afford the full cost without loans and you're pursuing Economics. For liberal arts education with better career prospects, Arkansas students should examine University of Arkansas or out-of-state public options that offer lower net prices and stronger alumni networks in major job markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hendrix College worth the cost for most students?
Hendrix College graduates earn $60,376 annually ten years after graduation, which is modest given the $26,688 median debt load. The economics program shows better returns at $38,289, but other popular majors like psychology and English show concerning low earnings relative to the investment.
What are the best paying majors at Hendrix College?
Economics is the clear winner at Hendrix College, with graduates earning $38,289 annually. Other popular programs like English ($25,194) and psychology ($22,652) produce significantly lower earnings that may not justify the debt burden.
How much debt do Hendrix College graduates typically have?
Hendrix College graduates carry a median debt of $26,688. With average post-graduation earnings of $60,376, this creates a manageable but not ideal debt-to-income ratio, though students in lower-paying majors may struggle more.
Does Hendrix College have good financial aid to offset costs?
Hendrix College's net price averages $23,409 per year after aid. While this represents some discount from the sticker price, it still results in significant debt loads for a school where many graduates earn modest salaries in fields like humanities and social sciences.