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 gives you a moderate financial return with real gaps between programs. At a net price around $20,000 a year and median earnings of $54,311 ten years out, the math works if you pick the right major and finish. The problem is that finishing is not a given: with a 65% retention rate, roughly a third of students don't return after year one, and a 59% graduation rate means paying tuition without a degree is a genuine risk here.
Nursing is the clear payoff. At $59,288, it carries the same $27,000 debt load as business or communications but nearly doubles their earnings. Accounting and business administration both land near $40,800, which covers the debt but leaves less room. Teacher education ($32,569) and communication and media studies ($30,119) sit at the bottom, and at $27,000 of debt those salaries make repayment slow and tight. If you're drawn to those fields, know going in that the numbers don't work in your favor at this price.
Net price actually drops for the lowest income tiers. If your family earns under $48,000, you'll pay around $15,000 to $17,000, less than families earning more. Above $110,000, you're looking at roughly $25,000 a year, and over four years that's a serious commitment for a mid-range earnings outcome.
Hiram is a good fit for you if you're heading into nursing or if aid brings your net price down and you're confident you'll graduate. Look elsewhere if you want a communications or education degree and would take on the full debt, or if you're unsure about finishing. The retention numbers mean the biggest financial risk at Hiram is leaving with debt and no diploma.
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.