Allentown, PA · Private University
Is Muhlenberg College Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$69,107
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$60,240
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$60,240
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$240,960
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.15x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
7.1 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
80.3%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$25,455
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$30,314
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Muhlenberg College graduates earn $24,107 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 Muhlenberg College ranked by graduate earnings
54 graduates
21 graduates
87 graduates
17 graduates
19 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Muhlenberg College
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings — your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Muhlenberg College, the gap between the highest-earning major (Finance and Financial Management Services: $91,304) and the lowest (Public Health: $20,900) is $70,404/yr — bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Financial Management ServicesBest ROI | $91,304 | 1.5x |
| Biology, General | $84,008 | 1.4x |
| Neurobiology and Neurosciences | $82,259 | 1.4x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $77,150 | 1.3x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $70,160 | 1.2x |
| Economics | $70,089 | 1.2x |
| Political Science and Government | $67,973 | 1.1x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $54,667 | 0.9x |
| Psychology, General | $51,597 | 0.9x |
| Dance | $50,178 | 0.8x |
| English Language and Literature, General | $49,364 | 0.8x |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $30,759 | 0.5x |
| Public HealthLowest(1yr data) | $20,900 | 0.3x |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muhlenberg College | 1.15x | $69,107 | Average ROI |
| Allegheny College | 1.13x | $62,069 | Average ROI |
| Washington College | 1.21x | $65,518 | Average ROI |
| Wheaton College (Massachusetts) | 1.09x | $67,725 | Average ROI |
| Hobart William Smith Colleges | 1.09x | $68,831 | Average ROI |
| DePauw University | 1.24x | $70,527 | Average ROI |
The Bottom Line
Muhlenberg College delivers returns in line with the national college average. Graduates earn $69,107 10 years after starting — $24,107 above the national median of $45,000. Graduates typically break even on their investment within 7.1 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.