At $26,181/yr net price, Smith College graduates earn $64,027/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $30,027/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $26,181 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $104,724 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $64,027/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$30,027/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 89.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $17,550 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,033/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,382/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,149/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,628/yr |
| $110,001+ | $39,722/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Work. | Doctoral | $83,177 | |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $71,957 | $19,000 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $47,650 | $19,000 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Master | $46,620 | |
| Social Work. | Master | $45,554 | $60,256 |
| Education, General. | Master | $43,798 | |
| Chemistry. | Bachelor | $42,682 | |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $39,153 | $19,000 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $35,416 | $19,000 |
| Neurobiology and Neurosciences. | Bachelor | $34,603 | $18,558 |
The Risk Factor
89.7% of students at Smith College graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Smith College delivers solid but unspectacular financial returns, with median earnings of $64,027 ten years after graduation falling short of what you might expect from a selective liberal arts college.
Social work stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $83,177 annually. Computer science also performs well at nearly $72,000, though you'll carry $19,000 in debt. Economics graduates face a significant earnings drop to $47,650 despite similar debt levels, making it a weaker financial choice. The second social work program listed shows concerning debt levels of over $60,000 for much lower earnings, suggesting different degree levels or concentrations within the field.
Your biggest financial risk at Smith is the high net price of $26,181 annually for a college where many popular majors lead to modest-paying careers in education, social services, and nonprofits. Liberal arts graduates earn just $46,620, creating a challenging debt-to-income ratio even with the relatively low median debt of $17,550.
Smith makes financial sense if you're pursuing social work or computer science, or if you can afford the full cost without borrowing heavily. The college works well for students planning graduate school who can leverage Smith's strong alumni network and academic reputation. However, if you need substantial financial aid or are considering lower-paying majors, you should examine more affordable options.
The financial aid picture appears limited, with only 18% of students receiving aid. This suggests Smith expects most families to pay near full price, making it primarily accessible to higher-income students who can absorb the costs without significant financial strain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Smith College worth the cost?
Smith College graduates earn $64,027 ten years after graduation, which is below average for the net price of $26,181 per year. The school's value depends heavily on your major, with social work and computer science graduates earning significantly more than liberal arts majors.
What are the highest paying majors at Smith College?
Computer science and social work are Smith College's best ROI programs, with graduates earning $71,957 and $83,177 respectively. Liberal arts and humanities majors earn considerably less at around $46,620, making program choice critical for financial outcomes.
How much debt do Smith College students graduate with?
Smith College students graduate with a median debt of $17,550, which is relatively manageable. The low debt load helps offset the modest post-graduation earnings for many majors.
Does Smith College provide good financial aid?
Smith College reduces costs significantly through financial aid, with students paying an average net price of $26,181 per year. This makes the college more accessible than its full sticker price suggests, though earnings outcomes vary widely by field of study.