At $28,984/yr net price, Wofford College graduates earn $68,964/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $34,964/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $28,984 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $115,936 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $68,964/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$34,964/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 80.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,732 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,804/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $22,105/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,432/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $28,109/yr |
| $110,001+ | $34,845/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $47,729 | $27,000 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $42,682 | |
| Business/Managerial Economics. | Bachelor | $41,565 | |
| Chemistry. | Bachelor | $40,485 | |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $38,472 | |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $25,408 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | Bachelor | $34,526 | $25,269 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $29,685 | $26,424 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $27,488 | $26,000 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $20,140 | $26,825 |
The Risk Factor
80.8% of students at Wofford College graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Wofford College delivers solid financial returns with median earnings of $68,964 ten years post-graduation, well above the national average for liberal arts colleges. Your investment of roughly $29,000 annually pays off within a reasonable timeframe, especially given the school's strong 81% graduation rate.
Finance majors see the strongest returns at $47,729 starting salaries, though they carry slightly higher debt loads at $27,000. Computer science and business economics also provide solid earning potential in the low $40,000s. Chemistry graduates earn $40,485, reflecting Wofford's pre-med strength and regional healthcare opportunities. Avoid programs outside these core areas if maximizing earnings is your priority.
The school's location in Spartanburg limits some career opportunities compared to major metropolitan areas. You'll likely need to relocate for the highest-paying positions, which adds post-graduation costs. Only 15% of students receive financial aid, suggesting merit opportunities are limited for middle-income families.
Wofford works best financially for students targeting business, finance, or STEM fields who can leverage the school's strong alumni network in the Southeast. The high retention rate of 90% indicates good academic support, reducing dropout risk. However, if you need substantial financial aid or plan to pursue lower-earning liberal arts majors, you'll find better value elsewhere. The school's $25,732 median debt is manageable but only worthwhile if you land in one of the higher-earning programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wofford College worth the cost?
With a net price of $29,000 annually and median debt of $25,732, Wofford College provides moderate returns with 10-year earnings of $68,964. The ROI depends heavily on your major, with finance graduates earning significantly more than those in other programs.
What are the highest paying majors at Wofford College?
Finance graduates from Wofford earn $47,729 annually, making it the school's best-paying program. Computer science ($42,682) and business economics ($41,565) also provide decent returns, while other majors typically earn less than $40,000.
How much student debt do Wofford College graduates have?
Wofford graduates carry a median debt of $25,732, which is manageable compared to many private colleges. However, graduates in lower-paying majors may struggle to justify this debt load with starting salaries under $40,000.
Does Wofford College have good financial aid?
Wofford's net price of $28,984 represents significant financial aid from its $60,000+ sticker price. The 81% graduation rate suggests most students can complete their degrees, but the final cost still requires careful consideration given post-graduation earning potential.