At $25,934/yr net price, Middlebury College graduates earn $76,310/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $42,310/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $25,934 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $103,736 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $76,310/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$42,310/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 92.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $13,857 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,270/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,548/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,741/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,228/yr |
| $110,001+ | $48,804/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economics. | Bachelor | $75,518 | $19,500 |
| International Relations and National Security Studies. | Master | $60,523 | $74,123 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $58,673 | $13,500 |
| Public Administration. | Master | $56,544 | $80,881 |
| International Relations and National Security Studies. | Bachelor | $55,964 | |
| International Business. | Master | $55,512 | |
| Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services. | Master | $52,941 | $76,938 |
| Education, Other. | Master | $46,869 | $66,117 |
| Area Studies. | Bachelor | $44,091 | $11,593 |
| Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language. | Master | $43,798 |
The Risk Factor
92.6% of students at Middlebury College graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Middlebury College delivers solid financial returns with median earnings of $76,310 after ten years, though your major choice will dramatically affect your financial outcome. The school's $25,934 net price creates reasonable debt loads for most graduates, with typical debt under $14,000.
Economics majors see the strongest returns at $75,518 annually with manageable debt around $19,500. Computer Science graduates earn $58,673 with minimal debt of $13,500, making this program one of your best bets financially. International Relations majors face a troubling pattern: graduates earn between $55,964 and $60,523 but carry crushing debt loads up to $74,123. Public Administration shows similar warning signs with $56,544 in earnings against $80,881 in debt.
Your biggest financial risk at Middlebury is choosing a major that leads to excessive borrowing relative to earning potential. The school's liberal arts focus means many programs prepare you for graduate school rather than immediate high-paying careers, which works if you can afford extended education but creates problems if you need income right after graduation.
Middlebury works financially if you come from a family that qualifies for the generous need-based aid or if you can pay most costs upfront. Only 16.73% of students receive aid, suggesting the school expects families to cover most expenses. The 92.60% graduation rate means you will likely finish your degree, but you need to pick your major carefully to justify the investment.
Skip Middlebury if you need merit scholarships or if you plan to major in fields with poor debt-to-income ratios. The school works best for wealthy families or students targeting high-earning majors like Economics or Computer Science.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Middlebury College worth the cost?
With a net price of $25,934 and median earnings of $76,310 after 10 years, Middlebury delivers solid returns, especially for economics majors who earn $75,518. The low median debt of $13,857 reduces financial risk compared to most private colleges.
What are the highest paying majors at Middlebury College?
Economics leads at $75,518, followed by computer science at $58,673. International relations majors see more modest returns around $55,000-60,000, which may not justify the investment for all students.
How much debt do Middlebury College students graduate with?
The median debt is $13,857, which is relatively low for a private college. This manageable debt load combined with strong earning potential makes Middlebury less risky than many expensive liberal arts schools.
Does Middlebury College provide good financial aid?
The net price of $25,934 is reasonable for a selective private college, suggesting decent financial aid for many families. However, this varies significantly based on family income and the school's aid formulas.