At $35,506/yr net price, Whitman College graduates earn $67,589/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $33,589/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $35,506 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $142,024 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $67,589/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$33,589/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 81.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,437 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $19,307/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,724/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $28,426/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $27,829/yr |
| $110,001+ | $47,254/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economics. | Bachelor | $42,682 | $16,500 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $33,993 | $16,750 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $33,993 | $20,039 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $27,584 | $15,000 |
| Visual and Performing Arts, General. | Bachelor | $26,353 | |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts. | Bachelor | $25,194 | |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $22,999 | |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $18,868 |
The Risk Factor
81.0% of students at Whitman College graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Whitman College delivers weak financial returns that don't justify its $35,506 annual cost for most students. Your median earnings of $67,589 after ten years create a concerning gap between investment and payoff.
Economics majors fare best with starting salaries around $42,682, but even this top-earning program leaves you with modest returns given the school's price tag. Political Science and Sociology graduates start near $34,000, while Psychology majors earn just $27,584. Visual and Performing Arts majors face the worst outlook at $26,353, making this degree financially unviable at Whitman's cost.
The school's biggest financial risk is its limited earning potential across all programs. Even successful graduates struggle to generate strong returns on a $142,000 total investment. The 19% of students who don't graduate face catastrophic financial losses.
Whitman works financially only if your family can afford the full cost without borrowing, making this primarily a school for wealthy students who prioritize the liberal arts experience over career earnings. The low 14.67% financial aid rate confirms most students pay near full price.
If you need student loans or expect your degree to pay for itself, look elsewhere. State schools or more career-focused private colleges will serve you better financially. Whitman's debt loads remain reasonable for graduates, but the earning potential simply doesn't support the investment for middle-class families counting on educational ROI.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Whitman College worth the high tuition cost?
Whitman College costs $35,506 annually but graduates earn $67,589 ten years later, which is decent for a liberal arts school. However, many popular majors like psychology ($27,584) and arts ($26,353) show concerning earning potential relative to the cost.
What are the best paying majors at Whitman College?
Economics is the clear winner at Whitman College with graduates earning $42,682 annually. Political science and sociology both average around $34,000, while psychology and arts majors earn significantly less despite similar tuition costs.
How much debt do Whitman College students graduate with?
Whitman College graduates carry a median debt of $18,437, which is relatively manageable. The bigger concern is whether certain majors will generate enough income to justify the total cost of attendance.
Does Whitman College have good job outcomes after graduation?
Whitman College has an 81% graduation rate and graduates earn $67,589 after ten years on average. The outcomes vary dramatically by major though, with economics students doing well while arts and psychology majors face tougher financial prospects.