Bennington College
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$258,576
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$-10,289/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
N/A years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
-180%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Bennington College's high tuition cost of $64,644 contrasts with relatively low earnings for graduates. One year after graduation, the median earnings are $21,186, increasing to $24,711 after five years and $38,289 after ten years. The median debt for graduates is $26,000, and nearly half of the students receive financial aid.
Given the tuition and earnings data, the return on investment appears unfavorable. The earnings figures are significantly lower than the annual tuition cost, suggesting a long break-even timeline. The debt-to-income ratio is also concerning, as the median debt is substantial compared to the initial earnings.
The college's retention rate is 85.1%, and the graduation rate is 67.9%. These figures indicate that most students persist in their studies, but a significant portion do not graduate. The acceptance rate is 48%, suggesting that the college is moderately selective.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$64,644
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,000
Median Earnings (5yr)
$24,711
Graduation Rate
68%
Receive Financial Aid
49%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visual and Performing Arts, General. | $258,576 | $19,065 | N/A |
| English Language and Literature/Letters, Other. | $258,576 | $34,245 | N/A |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. | $258,576 | $0 | N/A |
| Literature. | $258,576 | $0 | N/A |
| Music. | $258,576 | $0 | N/A |
| Public Policy Analysis. | $258,576 | $0 | N/A |
| Political Science and Government. | $258,576 | $0 | N/A |
| Social Sciences, General. | $258,576 | $0 | N/A |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts. | $258,576 | $0 | N/A |
| Dance. | $258,576 | $0 | N/A |
| Psychology, General. | $258,576 | $0 | N/A |
| Anthropology. | $258,576 | $0 | N/A |
Peer Comparison
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.