At $23,707/yr net price, Hood College graduates earn $57,089/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $23,089/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $23,707 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $94,828 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $57,089/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$23,089/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 55.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $15,019/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $21,666/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $25,892/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $26,388/yr |
| $110,001+ | $27,254/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $74,576 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $71,255 | |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $54,252 | |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $53,810 | |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Bachelor | $45,980 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $36,992 | $23,331 |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $34,526 | $22,125 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $33,993 | |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | Bachelor | $29,685 | |
| History. | Bachelor | $27,488 |
The Risk Factor
55.3% of students at Hood 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
Hood College delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your major choice. Business administration graduates earn $74,576 annually, creating solid payback on your $25,000 median debt load, while special education majors at $45,980 face a tougher financial picture.
The 55% graduation rate presents the biggest risk to your investment. Nearly half of students who start at Hood don't finish, meaning you could rack up debt without the degree needed to access higher salaries. Your odds improve if you can maintain the academic performance needed to stay enrolled.
Hood works best financially if you target business, educational administration, or computer science programs. These majors generate enough income to justify the $23,707 annual net price. Education and liberal arts majors should scrutinize the math carefully, as starting salaries may not cover loan payments comfortably.
The 36% financial aid rate suggests Hood reserves aid for students with genuine financial need rather than spreading merit money broadly. If you qualify for need-based aid, the college becomes more affordable. Full-pay families face the steepest financial challenge here.
Consider Hood if you want small-college attention in business or education fields and can handle the academic demands that keep you enrolled. Look elsewhere if you need guaranteed merit aid, plan to study lower-paying majors, or worry about completing your degree within four years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hood College worth the cost?
Hood College graduates earn a median of $57,089 ten years after graduation, which is below average for the $23,707 annual net price. The 55% graduation rate and $25,000 median debt suggest mixed value, though business and education administration programs show stronger returns.
What Hood College programs have the best ROI?
Business Administration ($74,576 median earnings) and Educational Administration ($71,255) offer the strongest returns at Hood College. Computer Science and teaching programs show lower earnings despite decent job prospects in these fields.
How much debt do Hood College students typically graduate with?
Hood College graduates carry a median debt of $25,000, which is manageable compared to many private colleges. However, with only 55% of students graduating, debt without a degree becomes a real risk for nearly half of enrollees.
Does Hood College provide good financial aid?
Hood College's net price of $23,707 suggests decent financial aid for a private institution. The relatively low median debt indicates the school works to keep costs reasonable, though the poor graduation rate undermines the value proposition.