At $30,485/yr net price, Ursinus College graduates earn $73,721/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $39,721/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $30,485 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $121,940 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $73,721/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$39,721/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 76.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $21,992/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $22,573/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $27,644/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $28,852/yr |
| $110,001+ | $34,705/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $67,995 | |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $47,650 | $27,000 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $43,798 | |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $36,668 | |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $33,993 | $27,000 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $33,993 | $27,000 |
| Neurobiology and Neurosciences. | Bachelor | $33,281 | $27,000 |
| Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences. | Bachelor | $31,133 | $27,000 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | Bachelor | $27,439 | |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $26,933 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
76.6% of students at Ursinus College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 23% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Ursinus College delivers solid mid-career returns with median earnings of $73,721 after ten years, but the path there varies dramatically by major. Computer Science graduates earn nearly double what Biology majors make, creating a stark divide between STEM and liberal arts outcomes at this small Pennsylvania college.
Your major choice will determine whether Ursinus pays off financially. Computer Science and Economics provide respectable returns that justify the $30,485 annual net price. Mathematics offers decent prospects for graduate school preparation. However, English and Biology graduates face concerning earnings that may not cover loan payments comfortably, especially given the typical $27,000 debt load.
The school's biggest financial risk lies in its limited program diversity and small alumni network. With only 76.6% of students graduating, you face real completion risk that could leave you with debt but no degree. The 84% retention rate suggests some students struggle with the academic or social fit.
Ursinus works best financially if you're pursuing Computer Science or Economics and your family can afford the net price without excessive borrowing. The small class sizes and liberal arts focus may justify the premium for wealthy families seeking personal attention. However, if you need significant financial aid or plan to study humanities or life sciences, larger public universities or more generous private colleges will likely provide better value.
Only 19.84% of students receive need-based aid, signaling limited financial assistance for middle-class families. Merit scholarships exist but appear insufficient to make the school affordable for most students requiring substantial help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ursinus College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Ursinus College graduates earn $73,721 annually after 10 years, which is decent but not outstanding given the $30,485 yearly cost. The school's 76% graduation rate is solid, though the high acceptance rate of 82% suggests less selectivity than top-tier institutions.
What are the best paying majors at Ursinus College?
Computer Science leads with $67,995 in median earnings, making it the clear winner for ROI at Ursinus. Economics follows at $47,650, while Biology and English majors see much lower returns at $33,993 and $36,668 respectively.
How much debt do Ursinus College students typically graduate with?
Ursinus College students graduate with a median debt of $27,000, which is manageable compared to many private colleges. This debt level is reasonable given the school's average post-graduation earnings of $73,721.
Does Ursinus College provide good financial aid to students?
With a net price of $30,485 per year, Ursinus College offers meaningful financial aid that brings costs below the sticker price. However, this still represents a significant investment for most families, especially for majors with lower earning potential.