At $25,766/yr net price, The College of Wooster graduates earn $59,629/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $25,629/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $25,766 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $103,064 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $59,629/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$25,629/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 73.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $15,018/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,787/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $23,052/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $26,899/yr |
| $110,001+ | $32,701/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economics. | Bachelor | $48,041 | |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $38,829 | $22,111 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $36,674 | $27,000 |
| Chemistry. | Bachelor | $33,993 | |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $30,409 | $26,784 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $28,598 | $26,717 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $26,933 | $26,107 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $26,625 | $27,000 |
| Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences. | Bachelor | $25,194 | |
| Anthropology. | Bachelor | $25,194 |
The Risk Factor
73.6% of students at The College of Wooster graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 26% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
The College of Wooster delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your major choice and career goals. The $25,766 annual net price produces median earnings of $59,629 after ten years, creating a reasonable but not strong payback timeline.
Economics majors see the strongest returns at $48,041 annually, making this program your best bet for maximizing earnings potential. Communication and Media Studies graduates earn $38,829 with relatively low debt loads of $22,111, creating a favorable debt-to-income ratio. Mathematics majors face higher debt at $27,000 but earn $36,674, while Chemistry and Political Science programs show weaker financial outcomes despite the school's liberal arts reputation.
The biggest financial risk at Wooster is the 26.4% of students who don't graduate within six years. Dropping out leaves you with debt but no degree to show for it. The 81% retention rate suggests some students struggle with the academic or social fit, making careful program selection critical.
Wooster works best financially if you're targeting Economics or Communications, can handle the academic rigor to graduate on time, and plan to work in Ohio where the degree carries regional recognition. The school's 19.52% financial aid rate means most students pay close to full price, so middle-income families face the highest financial burden.
Skip Wooster if you need significant financial aid, want high-paying STEM careers, or prefer pre-professional programs. The liberal arts focus limits earning potential in many fields, and better ROI options exist at Ohio's public universities for students prioritizing financial returns over the small college experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The College of Wooster worth the cost?
The College of Wooster graduates earn $59,629 after 10 years with median debt of $26,500, which creates a reasonable debt-to-income ratio. However, the annual net price of $25,766 means you're paying premium private school costs for middle-tier earnings outcomes.
What are the highest paying majors at The College of Wooster?
Economics majors from The College of Wooster earn the most at $48,041 annually, followed by Communication and Media Studies at $38,829. Most other popular majors like Political Science earn around $30,000, which may not justify the high tuition costs.
How much student debt do College of Wooster graduates have?
The College of Wooster graduates leave with a median debt of $26,500. While this debt level is manageable compared to the $59,629 average earnings, it still represents a significant financial burden for a school with moderate post-graduation earning potential.
Does The College of Wooster provide good financial aid?
The College of Wooster's net price of $25,766 suggests decent financial aid since the sticker price is much higher. However, you're still paying substantial money for outcomes that don't significantly outperform many less expensive state schools.