Bronxville, NY · Private University
Is Sarah Lawrence College Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$53,603
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$63,678
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$63,678
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$254,712
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
0.84x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
13.7 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
70.0%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$27,000
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$21,132
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Sarah Lawrence College graduates earn $8,603 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 Sarah Lawrence College ranked by graduate earnings
255 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
How It Compares
ROI at similar schools
| School | ROI Ratio | Earnings | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sarah Lawrence College | 0.84x | $53,603 | Below Average |
| The College of Wooster | 1.00x | $59,629 | Average ROI |
| Bard College | 0.73x | $46,543 | Below Average |
| St Lawrence University | 1.05x | $67,258 | Average ROI |
| Ohio Wesleyan University | 1.06x | $55,624 | Average ROI |
| Pratt Institute-Main | 0.91x | $54,295 | Below Average |
The Bottom Line
Sarah Lawrence College carries higher costs relative to graduate earnings, warranting careful consideration. Graduates earn $53,603 10 years after starting, $8,603 above the national median of $45,000. At the current earnings trajectory, it takes approximately 13.7 years to recover the total cost of attendance.
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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.