Northampton, MA · Private University
Is Smith College Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$64,027
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$61,568
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$61,568
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$246,272
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.04x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
8.5 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
89.7%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$17,550
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$26,181
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Smith College graduates earn $19,027 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 Smith College ranked by graduate earnings
33 graduates
26 graduates
29 graduates
31 graduates
28 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Smith College
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings — your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Smith College, the gap between the highest-earning major (Engineering, General: $77,485) and the lowest (Fine and Studio Arts: $31,261) is $46,224/yr — bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering, GeneralBest ROI | $77,485 | 1.3x |
| Statistics(1yr data) | $69,250 | 1.1x |
| Computer Science(1yr data) | $66,981 | 1.1x |
| Economics | $66,768 | 1.1x |
| Sociology | $50,843 | 0.8x |
| Education, General | $50,473 | 0.8x |
| History | $50,418 | 0.8x |
| Political Science and Government | $49,632 | 0.8x |
| English Language and Literature, General | $48,861 | 0.8x |
| Research and Experimental Psychology | $46,833 | 0.8x |
| Biology, General | $44,315 | 0.7x |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics | $43,192 | 0.7x |
| Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies | $42,607 | 0.7x |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | $42,367 | 0.7x |
| Area Studies | $40,081 | 0.7x |
| Neurobiology and Neurosciences(1yr data) | $36,727 | 0.6x |
| Fine and Studio ArtsLowest | $31,261 | 0.5x |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smith College | 1.04x | $64,027 | Average ROI |
| Rhode Island School of Design | 1.14x | $68,140 | Average ROI |
| Vassar College | 1.05x | $71,366 | Average ROI |
| Wesleyan University | 1.10x | $73,897 | Average ROI |
| Bates College | 1.09x | $69,498 | Average ROI |
| Middlebury College | 1.17x | $76,310 | Average ROI |
The Bottom Line
Smith College delivers returns in line with the national college average. Graduates earn $64,027 10 years after starting — $19,027 above the national median of $45,000. Graduates typically break even on their investment within 8.5 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.