At $20,088/yr net price, Hiram College graduates earn $54,311/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $20,311/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $20,088 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $80,352 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $54,311/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$20,311/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 59.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,197/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,280/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,558/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,700/yr |
| $110,001+ | $25,313/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $59,288 | $27,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $40,896 | $22,574 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $40,827 | $27,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $32,569 | |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $30,119 | |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | Bachelor | $29,685 | |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $25,525 | $23,875 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $23,649 |
The Risk Factor
59.1% of students at Hiram 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
Hiram College delivers weak financial returns that make it hard to justify for most students. With median earnings of $54,311 ten years after graduation and typical debt loads of $27,000, you face a challenging payback period in Ohio's modest job market.
Nursing stands out as the only financially viable program, generating $59,288 annually with the same debt burden as other majors. This premium reflects strong regional demand for healthcare workers in northeast Ohio. Business and accounting graduates earn around $40,800, which barely covers loan payments comfortably given the debt load.
Education majors face particularly poor prospects at $32,569 annually, while communication graduates earn just over $30,000. These wages create serious financial stress when paired with standard debt levels, especially considering Ohio's teacher salary challenges and limited media industry opportunities in the region.
The 59% graduation rate signals academic struggles that compound financial risk. Nearly two in five students leave without degrees but often with debt. The low 65% retention rate suggests many realize quickly that Hiram may not deliver value for the investment.
You should consider Hiram only if you plan to pursue nursing and receive substantial merit aid to reduce the net price below $15,000 annually. The college's small size limits networking advantages, and its rural location restricts internship and job opportunities that could boost earning potential.
Look elsewhere if you want business, education, or liberal arts programs. Ohio's public universities offer similar or better outcomes at lower cost, while regional employers show little preference for Hiram graduates that would justify the premium pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hiram College worth the money?
Hiram College graduates earn a median of $54,311 ten years after graduation, which is modest for the $20,088 annual net price. The nursing program offers better value at $59,288 median earnings, but other programs like education and communications show weaker financial returns.
What is the ROI for Hiram College degrees?
ROI varies significantly by program at Hiram College. Nursing and accounting graduates see reasonable returns, while education majors earn around $32,569 and communications majors earn $30,119, making debt repayment more challenging.
How much debt do Hiram College students graduate with?
Hiram College students graduate with a median debt of $27,000. With starting salaries around $54,000 for most graduates, this debt load is manageable but requires careful budgeting, especially for lower-paying majors.
Should I attend Hiram College if I want to study business?
Hiram College business graduates earn around $40,800, which is reasonable but not exceptional. The 93% acceptance rate means less selectivity, and the 59% graduation rate suggests academic challenges that prospective business students should consider.