Poughkeepsie, NY · Private University
Is Vassar College Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$71,366
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$67,805
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$67,805
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$271,220
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.05x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
7.5 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
89.1%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$18,625
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$38,182
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Vassar College graduates earn $26,366 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 Vassar College ranked by graduate earnings
45 graduates
48 graduates
31 graduates
24 graduates
44 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Vassar College
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings — your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Vassar College, the gap between the highest-earning major (Computer and Information Sciences, General: $110,844) and the lowest (Area Studies: $22,741) is $88,103/yr — bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, GeneralBest ROI | $110,844 | 1.6x |
| Economics | $81,561 | 1.2x |
| Mathematics | $74,019 | 1.1x |
| International Relations and National Security Studies | $60,969 | 0.9x |
| Political Science and Government | $56,595 | 0.8x |
| English Language and Literature, General | $46,456 | 0.7x |
| Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology(1yr data) | $45,599 | 0.7x |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts | $44,230 | 0.7x |
| Biology, General | $44,221 | 0.7x |
| Neurobiology and Neurosciences(1yr data) | $41,752 | 0.6x |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics | $41,730 | 0.6x |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $40,808 | 0.6x |
| Urban Studies/Affairs(1yr data) | $39,410 | 0.6x |
| History(1yr data) | $38,461 | 0.6x |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities(1yr data) | $35,316 | 0.5x |
| Research and Experimental Psychology(1yr data) | $34,361 | 0.5x |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $32,906 | 0.5x |
| Science, Technology and Society(1yr data) | $27,215 | 0.4x |
| Sociology(1yr data) | $26,356 | 0.4x |
| Communication and Media Studies(1yr data) | $23,270 | 0.3x |
| Area StudiesLowest(1yr data) | $22,741 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vassar College | 1.05x | $71,366 | Average ROI |
| Wesleyan University | 1.10x | $73,897 | Average ROI |
| Smith College | 1.04x | $64,027 | Average ROI |
| Hamilton College | 1.19x | $78,411 | Average ROI |
| Amherst College | 1.15x | $77,644 | Average ROI |
| Rhode Island School of Design | 1.14x | $68,140 | Average ROI |
The Bottom Line
Vassar College delivers returns in line with the national college average. Graduates earn $71,366 10 years after starting — $26,366 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.