At $26,984/yr net price, Wheaton College graduates earn $63,756/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $29,756/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $26,984 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $107,936 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $63,756/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$29,756/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 86.6% |
| 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 | $17,966/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,623/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,430/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,968/yr |
| $110,001+ | $35,320/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $61,516 | |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Doctoral | $57,318 | $129,614 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $49,683 | |
| Business/Managerial Economics. | Bachelor | $48,667 | $24,000 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $46,087 | $21,000 |
| International Relations and National Security Studies. | Bachelor | $45,696 | $23,250 |
| Theological and Ministerial Studies. | Master | $39,049 | |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $39,009 | $40,125 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $37,856 | $25,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $37,748 | $23,250 |
The Risk Factor
86.6% of students at Wheaton College graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Wheaton College gives you a solid but unspectacular financial return. Median earnings ten years out sit near the middle for a private four-year school, and median debt stays low enough that you're unlikely to leave with a crushing loan burden. The 86.6% grad rate and nearly 94% retention mean you can count on finishing what you start, which is where a lot of the financial risk at other schools comes from.
Computer science is the clear winner here, paying about $15,000 more than economics or international relations. If you major in CS, the numbers work in your favor. Mathematics, business economics, economics, and international relations all cluster in the mid-$40Ks, which is modest for the sticker price. Business economics graduates carry the highest debt of the listed programs at $24,000 against earnings under $49,000, so watch that ratio if that's your path.
The main risk is the gap between what you pay and what the humanities and social science degrees return. Wheaton's strongest earnings come from technical majors, and the school's identity leans toward liberal arts fields that pay less. If you enroll planning to major in something outside CS or math, run the debt math carefully.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families most. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay under $19,000 a year. Over $110,000, the price jumps to $35,320, which is nearly double the lowest tier. At that top-tier cost against mid-$40K earnings for most majors, the return gets thin.
Wheaton fits you if you're targeting computer science or coming from a lower-income household where the net price stays reasonable. If you're a full-pay family aiming at a lower-earning major, the return may not justify the cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wheaton College worth the cost?
Wheaton College graduates earn $63,756 ten years after graduation with median debt of $23,250, making the financial return reasonable but not exceptional. The net price of $26,984 per year is manageable compared to many private colleges, though public options typically offer better value.
What are the highest paying majors at Wheaton College?
Computer Science leads with $61,516 average earnings, followed by Clinical Psychology at $57,318. Business and Economics majors earn in the mid-$40,000s, which is below the national average for those fields.
How much debt do Wheaton College students graduate with?
The median debt load is $23,250, which is manageable given the school's graduation outcomes. With 10-year earnings of $63,756, most graduates can handle this debt level without major financial strain.
Does Wheaton College have good job placement after graduation?
The 86.6% graduation rate suggests most students complete their degrees, but the 10-year earnings of $63,756 are modest for a private college education. Students in technical fields like Computer Science see better returns than those in liberal arts programs.