At $22,100/yr net price, Hilbert College graduates earn $48,309/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $14,309/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $22,100 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $88,400 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $48,309/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$14,309/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 47.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $18,835/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $23,593/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $23,756/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,610/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,655/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Administration. | Master | $43,426 | |
| Human Services, General. | Bachelor | $37,568 | $19,500 |
| Legal Support Services. | Bachelor | $33,459 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $32,925 | $24,420 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $31,907 | $27,000 |
| Security Science and Technology. | Bachelor | $29,685 | $27,000 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $28,019 | |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication. | Bachelor | $22,087 |
The Risk Factor
47.0% of students at Hilbert 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
Hilbert College delivers weak financial returns with concerning graduation and retention rates that signal trouble for your investment. The median graduate earns just $48,309 ten years out, barely double the annual net price of $22,100.
Your program choice makes a significant difference at Hilbert. Public Administration graduates earn $43,426, the highest among major programs, while Criminal Justice majors earn $31,907 despite carrying the heaviest debt load at $27,000. Human Services offers the best debt-to-earnings ratio with only $19,500 in median debt for $37,568 in earnings. Business Administration disappoints at $32,925 given its popularity and debt burden.
The biggest red flag is Hilbert's 47% graduation rate. More than half of students never finish their degree, making this a high-risk investment. The 63% retention rate means many students leave after freshman year, likely realizing the poor value proposition.
This school works financially only if you plan to complete your degree in a higher-earning program like Public Administration and can keep debt minimal. The Western New York job market limits opportunities, particularly for criminal justice graduates who make up a large portion of the student body but face saturated local markets.
Skip Hilbert if you need strong career services, alumni networks, or regional employer recognition. The combination of high dropout rates, modest earnings, and limited program strength makes this a poor financial choice for most students. You can find better ROI at SUNY schools or community colleges in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hilbert College worth the cost?
With median earnings of $48,309 ten years after graduation and a net price of $22,100 annually, Hilbert College offers reasonable value for some programs but requires careful program selection. The 47% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't finish, which significantly impacts ROI.
What are the best paying programs at Hilbert College?
Public Administration graduates earn the highest median salary at $43,426, while Criminal Justice majors earn $31,907. Most other programs at Hilbert College produce earnings below $40,000, which may not justify the total cost of attendance.
How much debt do Hilbert College graduates have?
Hilbert College graduates have a median debt of $24,750, which is manageable compared to many private colleges. However, with many programs producing starting salaries in the low $30,000s, debt payments could strain budgets for some majors.
Does Hilbert College have good job placement rates?
Hilbert College's 47% graduation rate suggests significant completion challenges that affect overall career outcomes. While the school offers career-focused programs, nearly half of students don't graduate, which limits their job prospects regardless of program quality.