Claremont, CA · Private University
Is Harvey Mudd College Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$138,687
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$66,255
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$66,255
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$265,020
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
2.09x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
2.6 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
93.8%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$25,000
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$32,492
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Harvey Mudd College graduates earn $93,687 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Harvey Mudd College ranked by graduate earnings
31 graduates
40 graduates
65 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Harvey Mudd College
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings — your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Harvey Mudd College, the gap between the highest-earning major (Computer Science: $183,524) and the lowest (Engineering, General: $103,969) is $79,555/yr — bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Computer ScienceBest ROI | $183,524 | 2.8x |
| Mathematics and Computer Science(1yr data) | $166,573 | 2.5x |
| Engineering, General | $103,969 | 1.6x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
How It Compares
ROI at similar schools
| School | ROI Ratio | Earnings | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harvey Mudd College | 2.09x | $138,687 | Strong ROI |
| Claremont McKenna College | 1.63x | $104,736 | Good ROI |
| Stanford University | 1.99x | $124,080 | Good ROI |
| Pomona College | 1.25x | $77,779 | Average ROI |
| Carnegie Mellon University | 1.80x | $114,862 | Good ROI |
| Santa Clara University | 1.84x | $109,183 | Good ROI |
The Bottom Line
Harvey Mudd College stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $138,687 10 years after starting — $93,687 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 2.6 years — faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.