At $38,802/yr net price, Scripps College graduates earn $77,539/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $43,539/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $38,802 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $155,208 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $77,539/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$43,539/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 87.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $13,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,617/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,067/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,440/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $28,567/yr |
| $110,001+ | $51,165/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $18,771 |
The Risk Factor
87.1% of students at Scripps College graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Scripps College delivers disappointing financial returns despite its high graduation rate and selective admissions. Your median earnings of $77,539 ten years after graduation barely justify the $38,802 annual net price, especially when you consider the opportunity cost of four years out of the workforce.
The earnings data reveals a troubling pattern across Scripps programs. Psychology majors earn just $18,771 annually, which puts them well below the poverty line and makes loan repayment nearly impossible. This represents one of the worst major-specific ROI figures among comparable liberal arts colleges.
Your debt load stays manageable at $13,500 median, but only 11.47% of students receive aid, suggesting most families pay close to full price. This creates a financial barrier that limits Scripps to wealthy families who can absorb poor returns or students willing to take significant financial risks.
The school works best for you if your family has substantial wealth and views college as personal enrichment rather than career preparation. If you need your degree to generate income, Scripps presents serious financial risks. The combination of high costs, low earnings outcomes, and limited aid makes this a poor investment for middle-class families or anyone expecting their education to pay for itself.
Your best strategy involves exhausting merit scholarship opportunities at competing schools before committing to Scripps. The 88% retention rate suggests students stay despite the financial reality, but this persistence does not translate into strong post-graduation earning power.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Scripps College worth the high tuition cost?
Scripps graduates earn $77,539 ten years after graduation, which is solid but not exceptional given the $38,802 annual net price. The strong graduation rate of 87% helps, but you're paying premium prices for outcomes that don't always justify the cost.
What programs at Scripps College have the best return on investment?
Psychology, the most popular major, shows concerning ROI with graduates earning just $18,771 annually. Students should carefully research earning potential in their intended field before committing to Scripps' price point.
How much debt do Scripps College students typically graduate with?
The median debt at Scripps is relatively low at $13,500, which is manageable compared to many private colleges. However, this figure reflects the school's wealthy student body more than generous aid packages.
Does Scripps College provide good financial aid to offset costs?
The $38,802 net price suggests financial aid exists but still leaves families with substantial costs. Many students come from high-income backgrounds, so aid availability for middle-class families may be limited.