At $29,095/yr net price, Washington College graduates earn $65,518/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $31,518/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $29,095 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $116,380 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $65,518/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$31,518/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 74.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,956 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,498/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,675/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $25,670/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $31,138/yr |
| $110,001+ | $35,886/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $63,005 | |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $57,318 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $53,045 | $27,000 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $46,087 | $27,000 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | Bachelor | $41,565 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $40,188 | |
| International Relations and National Security Studies. | Bachelor | $37,208 | |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $35,926 | $27,000 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | Bachelor | $33,993 | $26,529 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $33,993 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
74.1% of students at Washington College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 26% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Washington College delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your major choice. The school's $65,518 median earnings after 10 years barely justify the $29,095 annual net price, especially when you factor in the typical $26,956 debt load.
Computer Science graduates earn the most at $63,005, though this trails what CS majors earn at many other schools. Mathematics and Business majors see decent returns, while Economics graduates face a concerning gap between their $27,000 debt and $46,087 starting salary. Romance Languages majors struggle most, earning just $41,565 while carrying similar debt burdens.
The school's location in rural Maryland limits job market access compared to urban alternatives. You'll likely need to relocate for the best opportunities, adding moving costs and complications to your post-graduation finances. The 74% graduation rate means one in four students never finish, risking debt without a degree.
Washington College works financially if you're studying Computer Science or Mathematics and your family can afford the full cost without excessive borrowing. The school's small size may provide networking advantages in the Mid-Atlantic region. However, with only 20% of students receiving aid, financial support is limited.
Skip this school if you're considering liberal arts majors with weak earning potential or if you need substantial financial aid. The combination of high costs, limited aid, and modest graduate earnings creates significant financial risk. State schools or colleges in major metropolitan areas typically offer better ROI for most career paths.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Washington College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Washington College graduates earn $65,518 ten years after graduation, which is modest for a $29,095 annual net price. The 74% graduation rate and $26,956 median debt are reasonable, but the overall return on investment falls short of many comparable private colleges.
What are the best paying majors at Washington College?
Computer Science leads with $63,005 average earnings, followed by Mathematics at $57,318. Business majors earn $53,045, while Romance Languages graduates average just $41,565, making program choice critical for financial outcomes.
How much debt do Washington College students typically graduate with?
The median debt is $26,956, which is manageable compared to many private colleges. With graduates earning $65,518 after ten years, most students can handle the debt load if they choose higher-paying majors.
Does Washington College provide good financial aid to make it affordable?
The net price of $29,095 suggests decent financial aid since the sticker price is higher. However, this still represents a significant investment for middle-income families, especially given the modest post-graduation earnings.