At $21,906/yr net price, Wabash College graduates earn $69,952/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $35,952/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,906 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $87,624 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $69,952/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$35,952/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 77.1% |
| 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 | $15,586/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,820/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,117/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,613/yr |
| $110,001+ | $29,968/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economics. | Bachelor | $52,107 | $27,000 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $51,482 | |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. | Bachelor | $49,058 | $27,000 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $41,565 | $27,000 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $41,007 | |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $37,208 | $27,000 |
| History. | Bachelor | $33,993 | $27,000 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $23,351 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
77.1% of students at Wabash College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 23% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Wabash College delivers solid financial returns with median earnings of nearly $70,000 ten years post-graduation, well above the national average for liberal arts colleges. Your net price of roughly $22,000 annually makes this one of the more affordable private college options in the Midwest.
Economics majors see the strongest financial outcomes at around $52,000 annually, followed closely by mathematics graduates. These programs align well with Indiana's growing financial services and tech sectors. Biology and psychology majors earn significantly less at around $41,000, creating a concerning gap between your investment and potential returns in these fields.
The school's biggest financial risk lies in its limited program diversity. As an all-male liberal arts college, Wabash lacks the engineering, business, and computer science programs that typically generate the highest ROI. You're betting entirely on liberal arts education translating to career success through alumni networks and general skills development.
Wabash works financially if you're targeting economics, mathematics, or pre-professional tracks where the strong alumni network in Indianapolis and Chicago can open doors. The relatively low debt burden of $27,000 keeps your risk manageable compared to similar private colleges.
Skip Wabash if you want technical training or specific career preparation in high-paying fields like engineering or computer science. The school simply doesn't offer these pathways. Also avoid it if you need substantial financial aid, as only 23% of students receive assistance, suggesting limited aid availability for middle-income families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wabash College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Wabash College graduates earn $69,952 after 10 years with median debt of $27,000, which creates a reasonable debt-to-income ratio. The net price of $21,906 per year is lower than many private colleges, making the investment more manageable than typical liberal arts schools.
What are the best paying majors at Wabash College?
Economics majors at Wabash College earn the highest starting salaries at $52,107, followed by mathematics at $51,482. Biology and psychology majors earn significantly less at around $41,000, which may not justify the cost for students focused purely on financial returns.
How much student debt do Wabash College graduates typically have?
Wabash College graduates leave with a median debt of $27,000, which is below the national average for private colleges. With average earnings of $69,952 after 10 years, most graduates can manage this debt load without major financial strain.
Does Wabash College provide good financial aid to make it affordable?
The net price at Wabash College averages $21,906 per year, indicating substantial financial aid since the sticker price is much higher. However, aid packages vary widely, and students should verify their actual costs before assuming affordability.