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 gives you a solid financial return with manageable risk. You pay about $22,000 a year net, leave with $27,000 in debt, and hit median earnings near $70,000 ten years out. That debt-to-earnings ratio is healthy, and the 77% graduation rate plus 86% retention mean you are likely to finish and start earning rather than drop out carrying loans with no degree.
The program picture is where you need to look closely. Economics is the top earner among listed majors and clears the debt load by roughly two-to-one in early years. Mathematics tracks close behind. Rhetoric and Writing Studies holds up better than you might expect for a humanities degree. Biology and Psychology sit at the bottom of the listed programs near $41,000, and both carry the same $27,000 debt, so your early payoff is slower there. If you plan on biology or psychology at Wabash, expect graduate or professional school to be part of the math, since those bachelor-level salaries alone leave a thinner cushion.
The net price tiers reward lower- and middle-income families. If your family earns under $75,000, you pay between $14,000 and $16,000 a year, and the $48,000-$75,000 band actually pays the least. Above $110,000, the price jumps to roughly $30,000 with little discount, so full-pay families should weigh that against the earnings outcome.
Wabash is a good fit if you are aiming at economics, math, or a pre-professional path, especially from a modest-income household where the aid brings the price down substantially. It is a weaker financial bet if you plan to stop at a bachelor's in a lower-earning field and your family lands in the top income tier paying near sticker.
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.