At $29,383/yr net price, Kenyon College graduates earn $71,830/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $37,830/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $29,383 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $117,532 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $71,830/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$37,830/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 86.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,527 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,865/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,666/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,777/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,995/yr |
| $110,001+ | $45,073/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economics. | Bachelor | $50,856 | $18,718 |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts. | Bachelor | $35,060 | |
| International/Global Studies. | Bachelor | $29,685 | |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $28,055 | |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | Bachelor | $26,739 | |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Bachelor | $25,967 | $15,500 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $25,194 | $19,000 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $23,456 | $19,000 |
The Risk Factor
86.8% of students at Kenyon College graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Kenyon College delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your major choice and career goals. The school's liberal arts focus produces graduates earning a median of $71,830 after ten years, which is respectable but not strong given the $29,383 annual net price.
Economics majors see the strongest financial outcomes at Kenyon, earning over $50,000 annually while carrying typical debt loads around $18,700. This major justifies the investment better than most others at the school. Film and photographic arts graduates earn $35,000, which creates a challenging debt-to-income ratio for most students. Biology majors face similar financial pressure with earnings under $28,000, making medical school or graduate programs nearly essential for financial success.
The school's location in rural Ohio limits local job opportunities, meaning you'll likely need to relocate for career advancement. This adds moving costs and potentially reduces your network advantages compared to schools in major metropolitan areas.
Kenyon works financially for students planning graduate school or those with family wealth who can minimize borrowing. The low percentage of students receiving aid suggests many families pay full freight, making this primarily accessible to higher-income students.
You should look elsewhere if you need strong immediate earning potential or plan to enter fields where Kenyon lacks industry connections. The school's literary reputation won't translate to financial returns in most careers outside academia and writing.
Consider Kenyon if you value the liberal arts experience and can afford the investment without significant debt, or if you're targeting graduate programs where the school's academic reputation provides admission advantages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kenyon College worth the cost for the salary you'll earn?
Kenyon graduates earn a median $71,830 ten years after graduation, which is decent but not exceptional given the school's selectivity and cost. Economics majors do well at $50,856, but many other programs like biology and language studies show lower returns that may not justify the investment.
How much debt do Kenyon College students typically graduate with?
The median debt for Kenyon graduates is $18,527, which is manageable compared to many private colleges. However, this figure only includes students who took loans, so many families are paying the full cost upfront or receiving substantial financial aid.
Which majors at Kenyon College have the best return on investment?
Economics is the clear winner at Kenyon with graduates earning $50,856 after ten years. Film and media arts follows at $35,060, but most other popular programs like biology and international studies show significantly lower earnings that may not offset the cost of attendance.
Does Kenyon College provide good financial aid to make it affordable?
With a net price of $29,383 after aid, Kenyon does provide substantial financial assistance since the full cost is much higher. The 87% graduation rate suggests most students can complete their degrees, but families should carefully evaluate whether the career outcomes justify the expense.