At $29,562/yr net price, Mount Holyoke College graduates earn $58,418/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $24,418/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $29,562 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $118,248 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $58,418/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$24,418/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 85.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,902 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,365/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,670/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,565/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $31,425/yr |
| $110,001+ | $42,389/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Relations and National Security Studies. | Bachelor | $45,696 | $18,486 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $43,798 | $21,500 |
| Education, Other. | Master | $42,682 | $16,594 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $38,289 | |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | Bachelor | $36,852 | $23,828 |
| Education, Other. | Bachelor | $36,560 | $19,000 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $35,060 | $21,000 |
| Anthropology. | Bachelor | $32,925 | $21,053 |
| Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies. | Bachelor | $30,409 | |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $30,409 |
The Risk Factor
85.0% of students at Mount Holyoke College graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Mount Holyoke College delivers weak financial returns despite its strong academic reputation. With median 10-year earnings of $58,418 against a net price of $29,562 annually, you face a longer payback period than most elite liberal arts colleges offer.
The earnings data reveals troubling patterns across popular majors. International Relations graduates earn just $45,696 despite the program's prestige, while Economics majors average only $38,289. Even the highest-earning major falls well below what comparable schools produce. Romance Languages graduates face the worst combination of low earnings ($36,852) and high debt loads ($23,828).
Mount Holyoke's location in western Massachusetts limits immediate job opportunities. You'll likely need to relocate to Boston or New York for higher-paying positions, adding relocation costs to your financial burden. The college's strong alumni network helps with connections but cannot overcome the fundamental mismatch between program outcomes and regional salaries.
This school makes financial sense if your family qualifies for substantial need-based aid or if you plan graduate school where the Mount Holyoke name carries weight. The 85% graduation rate means you'll likely finish your degree, but the financial payoff remains questionable for most majors.
Avoid Mount Holyoke if you need your undergraduate degree to immediately support loan payments or family obligations. The earnings simply don't justify the cost for most career paths. Consider state schools or colleges with stronger regional job placement if financial return drives your decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mount Holyoke College worth the cost?
Mount Holyoke graduates earn $58,418 annually 10 years after graduation, which is modest for a school costing $29,562 per year. The return on investment varies significantly by major, with International Relations graduates earning $45,696 compared to Romance Languages graduates at $36,852.
What are the best paying majors at Mount Holyoke College?
International Relations leads at $45,696 in median earnings, followed by Sociology at $43,798. Liberal arts majors like Romance Languages earn considerably less at $36,852, making major selection critical for financial outcomes.
How much debt do Mount Holyoke College students graduate with?
The median debt is $22,902, which is manageable given the 85% graduation rate. However, graduates in lower-paying majors may struggle with loan payments relative to their starting salaries.
Does Mount Holyoke College provide good financial aid?
The net price of $29,562 represents significant aid from the full cost of attendance. However, this still leaves many students with substantial debt for earnings that average under $60,000 ten years post-graduation.