Smith College
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$246,272
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$10,731/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
22.9 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
-13%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Smith College's in-state tuition is $61,568. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median of $32,340. Five years after graduation, the median earnings increase to $45,731, and after ten years, the median earnings are $64,027. The median debt for graduates is $17,550, and 12.7% of students receive financial aid.
Given the tuition cost and the one-year earnings, the return on investment appears to be negative initially. However, the five-year earnings are less than the tuition cost. The ten-year earnings are higher than the tuition cost.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$61,568
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,550
Median Earnings (5yr)
$45,731
Graduation Rate
89%
Receive Financial Aid
13%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Work. | $246,272 | $59,552 | 99% |
| Research and Experimental Psychology. | $246,272 | $46,833 | -4% |
| Biology, General. | $246,272 | $44,315 | -24% |
| Engineering, General. | $246,272 | $77,485 | 245% |
| English Language and Literature, General. | $246,272 | $48,861 | 13% |
| Political Science and Government. | $246,272 | $49,632 | 19% |
| Economics. | $246,272 | $66,768 | 158% |
| Mathematics. | $246,272 | $0 | N/A |
| Data Science. | $246,272 | $0 | N/A |
| Area Studies. | $246,272 | $40,081 | -59% |
| Sociology. | $246,272 | $50,843 | 29% |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | $246,272 | $31,261 | 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.