At $20,800/yr net price, Westminster College graduates earn $53,861/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $19,861/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $20,800 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $83,200 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $53,861/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$19,861/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 65.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,060 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $19,065/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,941/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,699/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,739/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,986/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $57,318 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $53,775 | $26,638 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $43,798 | |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $41,937 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $38,649 | $26,000 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $37,208 | $27,000 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $35,600 | |
| Education, Other. | Bachelor | $34,847 | $27,000 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $32,925 | |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $32,711 |
The Risk Factor
65.9% of students at Westminster College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 34% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Westminster College delivers mixed financial returns with concerning disparities across programs. Your median post-graduation salary of $53,861 creates a manageable debt-to-income ratio with typical borrowing of $26,060, but success varies dramatically by major choice.
Educational Administration and Supervision leads earnings at $57,318, followed closely by Accounting at $53,775. These programs justify the investment and position you well in Pennsylvania's job market. However, Business Administration graduates earn just $38,649 despite carrying $26,000 in debt, creating a weak return that takes years longer to recover.
The 65.90% graduation rate signals real completion risk. One in three students leave without a degree but often with debt, making Westminster particularly risky if you're uncertain about your major or study habits. The 83.28% retention rate suggests most students who struggle do so after freshman year.
Westminster works financially if you target high-earning programs like education administration or accounting and can handle the academic demands. The relatively low aid percentage of 24.74% means most families pay closer to full price, making this school unsuitable if you need significant need-based assistance.
Avoid Westminster if you're considering business administration or haven't committed to a specific career path. The combination of moderate costs with highly variable outcomes by program makes major selection critical. Students who thrive in smaller academic environments and can complete their degree will see reasonable returns, particularly in education and accounting fields where regional demand remains steady.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Westminster College worth the cost?
Westminster College's graduates earn $53,861 annually ten years after starting, which is modest given the $20,800 net price and $26,060 median debt. The return on investment is acceptable but not strong, especially outside of education and accounting programs.
What are the highest paying majors at Westminster College?
Educational Administration leads at $57,318 annually, followed by Accounting at $53,775. Business Management graduates earn significantly less at $38,649, making program choice critical for financial outcomes.
How much debt do Westminster College graduates have?
The median debt is $26,060, which is manageable compared to many private colleges. However, with only a 66% graduation rate, many students take on debt without completing their degree.
Does Westminster College provide good financial aid?
The net price of $20,800 suggests decent financial aid for a private college. This makes Westminster more affordable than its sticker price, though outcomes vary significantly by major.