At $33,847/yr net price, Rollins College graduates earn $58,295/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $24,295/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $33,847 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $135,388 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $58,295/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$24,295/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 76.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $25,481/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $28,884/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $29,454/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $31,970/yr |
| $110,001+ | $41,399/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $62,806 | $41,000 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $45,500 | $41,000 |
| International Business. | Bachelor | $43,798 | $25,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $43,638 | $25,025 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $42,044 | $24,894 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $41,565 | $26,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $36,368 | $25,200 |
| International Relations and National Security Studies. | Bachelor | $33,459 | $27,000 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | Bachelor | $30,771 | |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $30,228 | $26,576 |
The Risk Factor
76.9% of students at Rollins College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 23% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Rollins College delivers weak financial returns despite its Florida location and business focus. Your median post-graduation earnings of $58,295 barely justify the $33,847 annual net price, creating a payback period that stretches longer than most comparable institutions.
Business Administration stands out as the only program worth the investment, generating $62,806 in median earnings. However, business majors carry $41,000 in debt compared to $25,500 for other programs, eating into potential gains. International Business and Education majors face particularly poor returns, earning in the low-40s while still paying full tuition costs.
Your biggest financial risk is Rollins' stingy aid policy. Only 22% of students receive need-based aid, forcing most families to pay the full net price regardless of financial circumstances. This creates a harsh binary: wealthy families can afford the premium, while middle-class families get squeezed with minimal support.
Rollins makes financial sense if your family can comfortably afford the $135,000 total cost without borrowing heavily. The school's Winter Park location and alumni network provide value for students targeting Florida business careers or family businesses. However, first-generation college students and families stretching financially should look elsewhere.
The school does offer merit scholarships for high-achieving students, but these rarely cover the full gap between cost and value. Your 77% graduation rate suggests some students struggle to complete their programs, adding financial risk to an already expensive proposition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rollins College worth the high tuition cost?
Rollins College graduates earn $58,295 ten years after enrollment, which is modest given the $33,847 annual net price. The return on investment is weak compared to less expensive state schools, though business programs perform better than other majors.
What are the best paying majors at Rollins College?
Business Administration leads with $62,806 in median earnings, while other programs lag significantly behind. Human Resources Management ($45,500) and International Business ($43,798) offer decent returns, but Education majors earn only $43,638 despite the high cost of attendance.
How much debt do Rollins College students typically graduate with?
The median debt is $25,500, which is manageable compared to many private colleges. However, with starting salaries often below $45,000 for many majors, loan payments can still strain budgets for several years after graduation.
Does Rollins College provide good financial aid to make it affordable?
The net price of $33,847 suggests financial aid reduces costs from the full sticker price, but this is still expensive for middle-class families. The 76.90% graduation rate indicates most students can complete their degrees, though the financial burden remains high.