At $40,665/yr net price, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduates earn $101,253/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $67,253/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $40,665 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $162,660 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $101,253/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$67,253/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 81.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $33,862/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $32,345/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $34,656/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $37,396/yr |
| $110,001+ | $45,616/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $111,992 | $24,500 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $90,049 | $24,834 |
| Engineering-Related Fields. | Master | $82,440 | |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $79,473 | $24,499 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $76,460 | $25,000 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $74,341 | $26,161 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $72,600 | $25,000 |
| Biomedical/Medical Engineering. | Bachelor | $68,331 | $26,441 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $67,273 | $24,132 |
The Risk Factor
81.7% of students at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Rose-Hulman delivers strong financial returns despite its high sticker price, with graduates earning a median of over $101,000 within ten years of graduation. The engineering focus pays off in Indiana's manufacturing corridor, where technical talent commands premium salaries.
Computer science majors see the strongest returns at nearly $112,000 annually, making the program's debt load manageable. Computer engineering and chemical engineering also provide solid outcomes, though mathematics majors may struggle more to justify the investment at $76,460 in median earnings.
The school's biggest financial risk is its limited financial aid reach. Only 12% of students receive need-based aid, meaning most families pay close to the full $40,665 annual cost. This creates a significant barrier for middle-income families who earn too much for aid but lack the resources for full-pay attendance.
Rose-Hulman works best financially if your family can afford the high costs without taking on excessive debt. The relatively low median debt of $25,000 suggests many students graduate with minimal borrowing, likely due to family resources or merit scholarships. The 90% retention rate indicates students who enroll can typically handle the academic and financial demands.
You should look elsewhere if you need substantial financial aid or are considering non-engineering majors. The school's narrow focus means limited options if you change career paths, and the high costs make experimentation expensive. For engineering-focused students from families with financial means, the strong job placement and alumni network in technical fields justify the investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology worth the high tuition cost?
Rose-Hulman graduates earn $101,253 on average 10 years after graduation, which helps justify the $40,665 annual net price. The school's engineering and computer science focus produces strong salary outcomes, though the return depends heavily on your specific major.
What Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology programs have the best ROI?
Computer Science leads with $111,992 average earnings, followed by Computer Engineering at $90,049. Mathematics graduates earn significantly less at $76,460, making program choice critical for ROI at Rose-Hulman.
How much student debt do Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduates typically have?
The median debt is $25,000, which is manageable given the strong earning potential in engineering fields. However, students in lower-paying majors like Mathematics may struggle more with loan repayment.
Does Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology provide good financial aid?
With a net price of $40,665 after aid, Rose-Hulman still requires significant financial investment from most families. The 73% acceptance rate means less competition for merit aid compared to more selective engineering schools.