At $21,132/yr net price, Sarah Lawrence College graduates earn $53,603/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $19,603/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,132 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $84,528 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $53,603/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$19,603/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 70.0% |
| 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 | $20,746/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $24,018/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $27,814/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,853/yr |
| $110,001+ | $21,166/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $71,854 | $41,000 |
| Public Health. | Master | $47,260 | |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $35,060 | |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. | Master | $28,443 | $41,000 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. | Master | $26,353 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $21,873 | $23,500 |
The Risk Factor
70.0% of students at Sarah Lawrence College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 30% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Sarah Lawrence College delivers weak financial returns that will strain most graduates. With median earnings of $53,603 ten years after graduation and a net price of $21,132 annually, you're looking at a payback period that stretches well beyond what most families can comfortably manage.
Mental and Social Health Services stands out as the only program offering solid earning potential at $71,854, though it comes with $41,000 in debt. Public Health graduates earn $47,260, which provides a reasonable return given the school's cost structure. The creative programs that define Sarah Lawrence tell a different financial story. Theatre Arts graduates earn just $26,353, while Writing Studies majors face the worst combination of low pay ($28,443) and high debt ($41,000).
Your biggest risk here is the mismatch between Sarah Lawrence's academic reputation and its graduates' earning power. The school attracts students interested in creative fields and liberal arts, but these majors consistently underperform financially. You'll graduate with debt that your chosen field may not support.
This college works financially if you're targeting mental health or public health careers and value the small class sizes enough to accept moderate returns. It's a poor choice if you need your degree to pay for itself quickly or if you're drawn to the creative programs without family financial backing.
The 12.65% of students receiving aid suggests limited need-based support. Merit scholarships exist but are competitive. Your best cost strategy is securing significant aid upfront or choosing a higher-earning major, since the school's overall graduate outcomes won't bail you out of a poor financial decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sarah Lawrence College worth the money?
Sarah Lawrence's return on investment is mixed - graduates earn $53,603 ten years out with median debt of $27,000. The school's strength in mental health services produces higher earnings ($71,854), but theater and writing programs show much lower returns.
What majors at Sarah Lawrence College have the best job prospects?
Mental and Social Health Services leads Sarah Lawrence earnings at $71,854, followed by Public Health at $47,260. Theater and writing programs earn significantly less, with graduates making around $26,000-$28,000.
How much debt do Sarah Lawrence College students typically have?
Sarah Lawrence graduates carry a median debt of $27,000, which is manageable given the $21,132 net price. However, earnings vary dramatically by program, making debt burden heavily dependent on your major choice.
Does Sarah Lawrence College provide good financial aid?
Sarah Lawrence's net price of $21,132 represents substantial aid from the full sticker price. With a 70% graduation rate and reasonable debt levels, financial aid makes the school accessible, though career outcomes depend heavily on program selection.