Portland, OR · Private University
Is Reed College Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$62,927
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$67,020
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$67,020
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$268,080
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
0.94x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
9.6 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
75.9%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$21,500
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$39,951
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Reed College graduates earn $17,927 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 Reed College ranked by graduate earnings
21 graduates
24 graduates
18 graduates
20 graduates
16 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Reed College
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| EconomicsBest ROI(1yr data) | $53,110 | 0.8x |
| Psychology, General | $38,334 | 0.6x |
| English Language and Literature, General | $35,350 | 0.5x |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other(1yr data) | $30,834 | 0.5x |
| Biology, General(1yr data) | $25,596 | 0.4x |
| Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and ServicesLowest(1yr data) | $25,561 | 0.4x |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reed College | 0.94x | $62,927 | Below Average |
| Whitman College | 1.10x | $67,589 | Average ROI |
| Macalester College | 0.98x | $63,878 | Below Average |
| Colorado College | 0.96x | $65,222 | Below Average |
| Carleton College | 1.15x | $75,525 | Average ROI |
| Grinnell College | 0.97x | $62,830 | Below Average |
The Bottom Line
Reed College carries higher costs relative to graduate earnings, warranting careful consideration. Graduates earn $62,927 10 years after starting, $17,927 above the national median of $45,000. Graduates typically break even on their investment within 9.6 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.