Chestertown, MD · Private University
Is Washington College Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$65,518
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$54,356
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$54,356
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$217,424
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.21x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
7.1 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
74.1%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$26,956
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$29,095
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Washington College graduates earn $20,518 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 Washington College ranked by graduate earnings
70 graduates
39 graduates
24 graduates
35 graduates
38 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Washington College
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings — your major matters as much as your school.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, GeneralBest ROI | $72,505 | 1.3x |
| Economics | $68,636 | 1.3x |
| Political Science and Government | $59,500 | 1.1x |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | $55,203 | 1.0x |
| Psychology, General | $50,653 | 0.9x |
| Biology, GeneralLowest | $49,287 | 0.9x |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington College | 1.21x | $65,518 | Average ROI |
| Muhlenberg College | 1.15x | $69,107 | Average ROI |
| Wheaton College (Massachusetts) | 1.09x | $67,725 | Average ROI |
| Allegheny College | 1.13x | $62,069 | Average ROI |
| Wabash College | 1.42x | $69,952 | Average ROI |
| Goucher College | 1.03x | $53,023 | Average ROI |
The Bottom Line
Washington College delivers returns in line with the national college average. Graduates earn $65,518 10 years after starting — $20,518 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.