Bennington College ROI Analysis
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
below 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.
The data suggests a challenging return on investment. With a median debt of $26,000 and low starting salaries, graduates may struggle to pay off their loans. The debt-to-income ratio is unfavorable, especially in the first few years after graduation.
Given the earnings and debt figures, the break-even timeline, or the time it takes for earnings to surpass the initial investment, is likely to be extended. It would take a significant amount of time for graduates to recoup their tuition investment based on the provided earnings data.
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
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Visual and Performing Arts, General | $19,065 | N/A |
| English Language and Literature/Letters, Other | $34,245 | N/A |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $0 | N/A |
| Literature | $0 | N/A |
| Music | $0 | N/A |
| Public Policy Analysis | $0 | N/A |
| Social Sciences, General | $0 | N/A |
| Political Science and Government | $0 | N/A |
| Dance | $0 | N/A |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts | $0 | N/A |
| Graphic Communications | $0 | N/A |
| Research and Experimental Psychology | $0 | N/A |
Peer Comparison
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Frequently Asked Questions
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.