At $30,934/yr net price, Wheaton College (Massachusetts) graduates earn $67,725/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $33,725/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $30,934 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $123,736 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $67,725/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$33,725/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 75.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $19,884/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $22,445/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $25,454/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $28,584/yr |
| $110,001+ | $35,859/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $71,957 | |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $42,682 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $27,000 |
| International Relations and National Security Studies. | Bachelor | $38,289 | |
| History. | Bachelor | $36,134 | $25,990 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $33,459 | $26,434 |
| Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies. | Bachelor | $32,925 | $25,000 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $32,925 | $26,298 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $31,305 | $27,000 |
| Neurobiology and Neurosciences. | Bachelor | $30,771 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
75.7% of students at Wheaton College (Massachusetts) graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 24% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Wheaton College delivers modest financial returns that place it squarely in the middle tier of liberal arts colleges. With median 10-year earnings of $67,725 against a net price of $30,934 annually, you'll break even within about five years if you graduate debt-free.
Computer Science stands out as the clear financial winner, generating nearly $72,000 in median earnings. Economics trails significantly at $42,682, while other popular majors like International Relations, Business, and History cluster in the high $30,000s. This earnings gap means your major choice carries serious financial consequences at Wheaton.
The school's biggest financial weakness is its limited aid availability. Only 20% of students receive institutional aid, forcing most families to pay close to sticker price or take on debt. The median debt load of $26,000 remains manageable for Computer Science graduates but creates a tougher payback scenario for humanities majors earning in the $30,000s.
Wheaton works financially if you can afford the full cost without borrowing heavily, particularly if you pursue Computer Science or Economics. The 76% graduation rate means one in four students never complete their degree, making the investment a total loss.
You should look elsewhere if you need substantial financial aid, plan to major in lower-earning fields, or cannot afford the full cost of attendance. The school's location in Massachusetts provides access to the Boston job market, but this advantage doesn't translate into strong enough earnings premiums to justify the high cost for most majors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wheaton College Massachusetts worth the high tuition cost?
Wheaton College graduates earn a median of $67,725 ten years after graduation, which is modest given the $30,934 annual net price. Computer science majors do well at $71,957, but other popular programs like history and international relations start around $36,000-$38,000.
What is the return on investment for a Wheaton College Massachusetts degree?
The ROI varies significantly by major at Wheaton College. Computer science graduates see strong returns, while humanities and social science majors may struggle to justify the cost with starting salaries in the mid-to-high $30,000s.
How much debt do Wheaton College Massachusetts students graduate with?
Wheaton College graduates have a median debt of $26,000, which is manageable compared to many private colleges. However, this debt load becomes concerning for graduates in lower-paying fields like history or international relations.
Which majors at Wheaton College Massachusetts have the best job prospects?
Computer science is the clear winner at Wheaton College with graduates earning $71,957. Economics majors earn $42,682, while popular liberal arts programs like history and international relations lag behind at around $36,000-$38,000.