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 gives you a mixed financial outcome that leans risky depending on your major. You pay roughly $33,000 a year, and the median graduate earns under $65,000 ten years out. That gap only works in your favor if you land in one of the higher-paying programs and control your borrowing.
Business/Managerial Economics is the clear payoff here. At around $54,000 in early earnings, it more than doubles what Psychology graduates make and sits far above Fine Arts. If you come to Westmont for Business Economics, the math holds up. Communication lands in the middle. English and Fine and Studio Arts are where the numbers turn against you,English graduates earn about what one year of net price costs, and Fine Arts pays even less. Psychology, one of the most common majors at schools like this, sits at the bottom near $25,600 while still carrying $25,000 in debt. Borrowing that much against those earnings is a bad trade.
The specific risk at Westmont is that debt loads barely move between the top and bottom programs. Business Economics and Psychology both carry about $25,000, but their earnings differ by nearly $28,000. Your major, not your loan balance, decides whether this pays off.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay about $22,000 to $24,000. Above $110,000, you pay close to $39,500,the full weight of a private college. The strong retention and 70% graduation rate mean you are likely to finish, which lowers the risk of paying without a degree.
Westmont fits you if you plan to study Business Economics or qualify for lower-income pricing. Look elsewhere if you want an arts, English, or psychology degree and would pay the top tier to get it.
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.