At $34,581/yr net price, Skidmore College graduates earn $69,363/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $35,363/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $34,581 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $138,324 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $69,363/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$35,363/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 81.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $20,906/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,994/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,308/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,470/yr |
| $110,001+ | $46,513/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $50,270 | |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $46,087 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $43,575 | $20,657 |
| International Relations and National Security Studies. | Bachelor | $41,193 | |
| Chemistry. | Bachelor | $36,848 | |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $36,668 | $17,750 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Bachelor | $34,704 | $18,500 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $32,653 | $9,200 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $32,563 | $23,550 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | Bachelor | $29,685 |
The Risk Factor
81.7% of students at Skidmore College graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Skidmore College delivers solid financial returns despite its high sticker price, with graduates earning a median $69,363 ten years out. Your net price of $34,581 annually positions this liberal arts college in competitive territory for long-term value.
Computer science majors see the strongest payoff at $50,270 median earnings, followed by economics at $46,087. Business graduates earn $43,575 but carry slightly higher debt loads at $20,657. Chemistry majors face weaker returns at $36,848, making this program a riskier investment given the school's cost structure.
The financial aid picture creates significant inequality. Only 13.71% of students receive need-based aid, meaning most families pay close to full price. This makes Skidmore primarily viable for upper-middle-class and wealthy families who can absorb the costs without heavy borrowing. The relatively low median debt of $19,500 reflects this active.
Your strongest financial position comes from choosing economics or computer science while minimizing debt. The 81.7% graduation rate protects your investment, though you face real risk if you switch to lower-earning majors or struggle academically. Skidmore works financially if your family can handle the net price without excessive loans and you target higher-earning programs. Students needing substantial aid or considering humanities majors should explore more affordable alternatives with stronger financial aid packages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Skidmore College worth the high tuition cost?
Skidmore's $34,581 annual net price is steep for the $69,363 median salary graduates earn 10 years later. Computer science majors do better at $50,270, but liberal arts graduates often struggle to justify the cost with lower starting salaries.
What programs at Skidmore College have the best return on investment?
Computer science offers the strongest ROI at Skidmore with $50,270 median earnings, followed by economics at $46,087. Chemistry majors earn just $36,848, making it harder to pay off the investment in a reasonable timeframe.
How much debt do Skidmore College graduates typically have?
Skidmore graduates carry a median debt of $19,500, which is manageable compared to many private colleges. However, this debt load becomes problematic for graduates in lower-paying fields like chemistry or international relations.
Does Skidmore College provide good financial aid to make it affordable?
With a net price of $34,581 after aid, Skidmore still costs significantly more than most public options. The 81.7% graduation rate helps, but many students find better value elsewhere unless they're pursuing computer science or economics.