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 gives you a solid financial return, but the payoff depends heavily on your major. The median graduate earns $73,721 a decade out against a median debt of $27,000, so the typical borrower clears their loans without drowning. A 76.6% graduation rate and 84% retention mean you have a strong chance of actually finishing, which is where most college debt disasters start.
Your major matters more here than the overall numbers suggest. Computer science graduates start around $67,995, close to the school-wide median a decade later, so it pays off fast. Economics ($47,650) and mathematics ($43,798) land in the middle. English ($36,668) and biology ($33,993) start low, and biology carries the same $27,000 median debt as economics for far less early income. If you major in biology expecting a job straight out of undergrad, the early-career math is tough. that salary usually reflects people who need graduate school to earn more.
The main risk is paying private-college tuition for a low-earning major. At $30,485 net price per year, a biology or English degree leaves you carrying the same debt as a CS grad on a much smaller paycheck.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. Under $48,000 in family income, you pay around $22,000 a year. Above $110,000, you pay $34,705, and the aid thins out fast between the $48-75k and $75-110k brackets. Middle-income families see the smallest discount relative to the sticker realities.
Ursinus fits you if you're headed into computer science or economics, or if your family income falls under $48,000. If you want biology or English and will pay near full price, run the debt numbers hard first or look for a cheaper option.
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.