Williams 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
$259,440
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$36,754/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
7.1 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
183%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
One year after graduation, Williams College graduates earn a median salary of $47,778. Five years after graduation, the median salary increases to $71,754, and ten years after graduation, the median salary is $88,665. The median debt for students is $12,761. Only 6% of students receive financial aid.
The annual tuition cost at Williams College is $64,860. Given the median earnings one year after graduation, the debt-to-income ratio is approximately 0.27. The high tuition cost combined with the starting salary means that it would take more than one year to pay off the median debt.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$64,860
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,761
Median Earnings (5yr)
$71,754
Graduation Rate
96%
Receive Financial Aid
6%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Economics | $115,082 | 517% |
| Political Science and Government | $79,779 | 245% |
| Biology, General | $55,503 | 58% |
| Psychology, General | $57,158 | 71% |
| Mathematics | $87,931 | 308% |
| English Language and Literature, General | $56,571 | 66% |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $72,010 | 185% |
| Chemistry | $57,466 | 73% |
| History | $72,283 | 187% |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics | $0 | N/A |
| Area Studies | $67,794 | 153% |
| Statistics | $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.