At $21,176/yr net price, Ripon College graduates earn $54,902/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $20,902/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,176 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $84,704 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $54,902/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$20,902/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 59.9% |
| 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 | $13,478/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,038/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,763/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,858/yr |
| $110,001+ | $29,200/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $43,426 | $27,000 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $34,704 | $27,000 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $33,993 | $27,000 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $31,133 | $26,949 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $28,598 | |
| History. | Bachelor | $28,598 | $26,838 |
The Risk Factor
59.9% of students at Ripon 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
Ripon College delivers weak financial returns that make it a risky investment for most students. With median earnings of $54,902 ten years after graduation against a net price of $21,176 annually, you'll struggle to justify the cost unless you receive substantial aid.
The earnings picture across majors is particularly concerning. Even the highest-paying program, Business, generates only $43,426 annually while carrying $27,000 in debt. Liberal arts majors earn just $33,993, and English graduates face especially poor prospects at $28,598. Biology graduates earn only $31,133 despite the field's typical earning potential, suggesting weak regional job opportunities or inadequate preparation.
The college's 59.9% graduation rate compounds the financial risk. Nearly four in ten students leave without a degree but often with debt. The 75.5% retention rate signals that many students recognize the poor value proposition early.
You should only consider Ripon if you receive aid that cuts your net price below $15,000 annually, plan to pursue graduate school immediately, or have family connections that guarantee employment. The school works best for students from wealthy families who can afford the cost without concern for returns.
With only 33.3% of students receiving aid, Ripon appears to rely heavily on full-pay students. Merit aid opportunities seem limited, making this a poor choice for middle-class families seeking value. The combination of high costs, low earnings, and weak graduation rates creates a financial profile that favors looking elsewhere unless you have compelling personal reasons to attend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ripon College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Ripon College graduates earn $54,902 after 10 years, which is below average for the $21,176 annual cost. The 59.9% graduation rate means 4 out of 10 students don't finish, making it a risky investment for many.
What are the best paying majors at Ripon College?
Business graduates from Ripon College earn around $43,426 annually, the highest among major programs. Health/fitness and liberal arts majors earn significantly less at $34,704 and $33,993 respectively.
How much debt do Ripon College students typically graduate with?
Ripon College graduates leave with a median debt of $27,000. With starting salaries around $54,902, this debt load is manageable but the low graduation rate increases the risk of borrowing without completing a degree.
Does Ripon College provide good financial aid to make it affordable?
Ripon College's net price of $21,176 after aid is reasonable for a private school. However, the modest earning potential and below-average graduation rate limit the overall return on investment regardless of aid received.