At $32,926/yr net price, Westmont College graduates earn $64,778/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $30,778/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $32,926 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $131,704 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $64,778/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$30,778/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 70.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $24,220/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $22,301/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $24,081/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $30,116/yr |
| $110,001+ | $39,455/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Managerial Economics. | Bachelor | $53,775 | $25,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $40,402 | $23,250 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $32,925 | $25,515 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Bachelor | $26,933 | |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $25,596 | $25,000 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $24,808 | $24,250 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $22,192 | $23,250 |
The Risk Factor
70.1% of students at Westmont College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 30% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Westmont College delivers weak financial returns that don't justify its $32,926 annual cost. Your median earnings of $64,778 after ten years barely cover the debt payments for most graduates, creating a financially precarious situation.
Business and economics majors fare best with $53,775 earnings, though even this top-paying program struggles to generate strong returns given the school's high costs. Communication majors earn just $40,402 while carrying similar debt loads. The outlook becomes dire for liberal arts concentrations: English majors earn $32,925 annually while owing $25,515 in loans, creating negative returns. Psychology and fine arts majors face even worse prospects, with psychology graduates earning just $25,596 despite $25,000 in debt.
The school's 70% graduation rate compounds these financial risks. Three out of ten students leave without degrees while still carrying debt, making Westmont a particularly risky investment for academically marginal candidates.
Financial aid coverage appears limited, with only 19% of students receiving institutional aid. This suggests merit scholarships target a narrow band of high achievers, leaving most families paying close to full price.
Westmont makes financial sense only for wealthy families who can afford the costs without borrowing, or students planning graduate school in high-earning fields like medicine or law where undergraduate debt becomes manageable. If you need strong career earnings immediately after graduation or rely on financial aid to attend, you should consider more affordable alternatives with better job placement records in your intended field.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Westmont College worth the cost?
Westmont College graduates earn a median of $64,778 after 10 years, which is reasonable given the $32,926 annual net price. However, the 70% graduation rate means 3 in 10 students don't finish their degree, making the investment risky for some students.
What are the best paying majors at Westmont College?
Business and economics majors earn the highest salaries at $53,775 after graduation. Arts majors earn significantly less at $26,933, while psychology graduates make just $25,596, which may not justify the cost.
How much debt do Westmont College students graduate with?
The median debt is $23,250, which is manageable compared to many private colleges. This debt level is reasonable for business majors but concerning for lower-earning fields like psychology or fine arts.
Does Westmont College provide good financial aid?
With a net price of $32,926 compared to the full sticker price, Westmont offers substantial financial aid to most students. The relatively low debt levels suggest the school helps make education affordable for families who qualify.