At $25,544/yr net price, Washington & Jefferson College graduates earn $67,918/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $33,918/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $25,544 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $102,176 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $67,918/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$33,918/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 71.4% |
| 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 | $21,102/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $21,978/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,139/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $27,151/yr |
| $110,001+ | $28,860/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $51,392 | $27,000 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $51,273 | |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $46,087 | $27,000 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $41,286 | $26,000 |
| History. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $27,000 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $35,954 | $27,000 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $32,925 | $27,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $28,055 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
71.4% of students at Washington & Jefferson College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 29% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Washington & Jefferson College delivers mixed financial returns, with strong outcomes for some majors but concerning numbers for others. Your median debt of $27,000 is reasonable, but early-career earnings vary dramatically across programs.
Accounting and computer science majors see the strongest payoff, with starting salaries around $51,000 that justify the debt load. Economics graduates earn $46,000, making it a solid middle choice. However, business majors earn just $41,000 despite similar debt levels, and history graduates face a particularly tough financial reality with $38,000 earnings against $27,000 in debt.
The school's Pennsylvania location limits your job market compared to major metropolitan areas, which explains why even strong programs like accounting start below national averages. The 71% graduation rate means nearly three in ten students leave without a degree but potentially with debt.
You face significant financial risk if you choose lower-earning majors or struggle to graduate. Liberal arts programs show weak early returns, though long-term prospects may improve. The 29% financial aid rate suggests most students pay close to full price, making careful major selection critical.
Washington & Jefferson works financially if you pursue accounting, computer science, or economics and can afford the net price without excessive borrowing. Students interested in history, general business, or other liberal arts fields should consider state alternatives or schools with stronger regional employment pipelines. The school's small size and alumni network may help with job placement, but the numbers show this advantage is inconsistent across majors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Washington & Jefferson College worth the cost?
Washington & Jefferson College's graduates earn $67,918 annually ten years after graduation, which is solid but not exceptional given the $25,544 yearly net cost. With 71% of students graduating and median debt around $27,000, the value depends heavily on your major and career goals.
What are the best paying majors at Washington & Jefferson College?
Accounting ($51,392) and computer science ($51,273) offer the strongest earning potential at Washington & Jefferson College. Business majors earn around $41,286, while history graduates average just $38,289, making major choice critical for ROI.
How much debt do Washington & Jefferson College graduates have?
Washington & Jefferson College graduates carry a median debt of $27,000, which is manageable compared to the national average. However, this debt load could be problematic for lower-earning majors like history.
Does Washington & Jefferson College have good financial aid?
With a net price of $25,544 per year, Washington & Jefferson College provides meaningful financial aid that brings costs below the sticker price. The 88% acceptance rate suggests less competitive merit aid, so need-based aid likely drives most discounts.