Geneva, NY · Private University
Is Hobart William Smith Colleges Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$68,831
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$63,268
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$63,268
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$253,072
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.09x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
7.5 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
72.7%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$27,000
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$31,057
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Hobart William Smith Colleges graduates earn $23,831 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 Hobart William Smith Colleges ranked by graduate earnings
76 graduates
22 graduates
25 graduates
27 graduates
59 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Hobart William Smith Colleges
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings — your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Hobart William Smith Colleges, the gap between the highest-earning major (Economics: $76,563) and the lowest (Sociology: $20,228) is $56,335/yr — bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| EconomicsBest ROI | $76,563 | 1.2x |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General(1yr data) | $72,158 | 1.1x |
| History | $67,364 | 1.1x |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | $60,887 | 1.0x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $52,131 | 0.8x |
| International Relations and National Security Studies(1yr data) | $40,648 | 0.6x |
| Area Studies(1yr data) | $39,939 | 0.6x |
| Psychology, General(1yr data) | $38,117 | 0.6x |
| Political Science and Government(1yr data) | $35,381 | 0.6x |
| Biology, General(1yr data) | $33,163 | 0.5x |
| Architecture and Related Services, Other(1yr data) | $29,900 | 0.5x |
| SociologyLowest(1yr data) | $20,228 | 0.3x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Hobart William Smith Colleges delivers returns in line with the national college average. Graduates earn $68,831 10 years after starting — $23,831 above the national median of $45,000. Graduates typically break even on their investment within 7.5 years, a reasonable timeline.
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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.