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 gives you a manageable financial return with one big caveat: the sticker price is steep, but the median debt at graduation is only $13,500, which is unusually low for a private California college. That gap tells you most of the cost gets covered upfront through grants, not borrowed and paid back later. With an 87% graduation rate and 88% retention, you are very likely to finish, which is the single biggest factor in whether a degree pays off at all.
The program data here is thin and worth reading carefully. The only bachelor-level earnings figure listed is for General Psychology at roughly $18,771 a year, which is a weak early return and typical for a psych degree that usually needs a graduate credential to reach higher pay. Don't treat that number as the ceiling for a Scripps degree overall , the school's $77,539 median earnings ten years out is far above it, so majors beyond psychology are clearly driving stronger outcomes. If psychology is your plan, budget for grad school before the earnings catch up.
The net price tiers are where Scripps sorts families sharply. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay around $14,000 a year , one of the better deals in private education. Between $48,000 and $75,000, that jumps to $22,440, and above $110,000 you face the near-full $51,165. The middle-income squeeze is real here: your cost roughly triples across those brackets.
Scripps is a strong financial fit if you qualify for the lower price tiers and plan to finish. If your family earns over $110,000 and you want a high-paying field fast, weigh that $51,000-a-year price against public alternatives, because the listed program earnings don't yet justify full sticker on their own.
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.