At $31,057/yr net price, Hobart William Smith Colleges graduates earn $68,831/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $34,831/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $31,057 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $124,228 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $68,831/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$34,831/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 72.7% |
| 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 | $10,969/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,672/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,579/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,792/yr |
| $110,001+ | $41,860/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economics. | Bachelor | $55,512 | $26,967 |
| Public Policy Analysis. | Bachelor | $44,942 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $42,682 | |
| History. | Bachelor | $41,193 | $27,000 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | Bachelor | $34,348 | $27,000 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $33,281 | $27,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $32,569 | $26,500 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $30,409 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
72.7% of students at Hobart William Smith Colleges graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 27% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Hobart William Smith Colleges delivers mixed financial returns, with strong earnings potential in economics but disappointing outcomes in several liberal arts programs. At a net price of $31,057 annually, you'll pay significantly more than many public alternatives while facing uncertain career prospects in popular majors.
Economics stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $55,512 within ten years. This program justifies the investment for students committed to finance, consulting, or policy work. However, most other majors struggle to generate strong returns. History graduates earn just $41,193, while Natural Resources Conservation majors earn only $34,348 despite carrying the same $27,000 debt load as their higher-earning peers.
The school's location in Geneva, New York, limits local job opportunities, forcing many graduates to relocate for career advancement. This geographic challenge particularly hurts liberal arts majors who need access to diverse employment markets.
Financial aid presents another concern. Only 24% of students receive need-based aid, suggesting limited support for middle-income families. The relatively low debt levels help somewhat, but the modest earnings in many programs still create repayment challenges.
This college works best for students from affluent families pursuing economics or planning graduate school where the liberal arts foundation adds value. If you need significant financial aid or want strong immediate earning potential across multiple majors, larger universities or specialized schools offer better financial prospects. The 73% graduation rate indicates some students struggle to complete their programs, adding dropout risk to an already uncertain financial equation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hobart William Smith Colleges worth the cost?
With graduates earning $68,831 after 10 years and median debt of $27,000, Hobart William Smith offers decent financial outcomes for a liberal arts college. The return depends heavily on your major, with economics graduates earning $55,512 compared to $34,348 for natural resources majors.
What are the best paying majors at Hobart William Smith Colleges?
Economics leads at $55,512 annually, followed by public policy analysis at $44,942. Liberal arts and history majors earn around $42,000, while natural resources graduates see the lowest returns at $34,348.
How much debt do Hobart William Smith Colleges graduates have?
Median debt is $27,000, which is manageable compared to the national average. With a net price of $31,057 per year, many students graduate with debt levels that allow reasonable loan payments relative to their starting salaries.
Does Hobart William Smith Colleges have good job placement after graduation?
The 72.70% graduation rate is solid but not exceptional for a private college. Ten-year earnings of $68,831 suggest graduates find decent employment, though outcomes vary significantly by program of study.