Head-to-Head Analysis
This analysis was generated using Azimuth's proprietary framework. Our data model transforms federal education data into actionable insights. Learn about founder Daniel Rogers, explore our research methodology, or see how we think about this data.
Updated January 2026 • Albany, NY & Claremont, CA
When students choose between Harvey Mudd College and Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, they're comparing two elite career pipelines. Harvey Mudd in California specializes in engineering and computer science, while Albany in New York focuses on pharmacy and health sciences.
Both are small, selective private colleges with strong return on investment, but they prepare students for entirely different professional paths. The earnings data reveals a modest advantage for Harvey Mudd's engineering graduates.
Median Student Debt at Graduation
$25,500
federal loans
$25,000
federal loans
Median Parent PLUS Loans
$39,900
borrowed by parents
$33,386
borrowed by parents
Harvey Mudd is predominantly engineering-focused, with 32% of graduates earning degrees in engineering fields. The college's largest programs include Engineering General (68 graduates), Mathematics and Computer Science (52), and Computer Science (47).
Albany College specializes in health sciences, with its top programs being Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (16 graduates), Public Health (9), and Clinical Laboratory Science (8). These program concentrations directly shape the career trajectories and earning potential for graduates at each institution.
For students drawn to engineering and computer science careers, Harvey Mudd delivers higher earnings that justify the additional $6,465 annual cost. Albany College offers excellent value for healthcare and pharmacy careers, with strong outcomes at a lower annual price point.
The data points to Harvey Mudd as having a slight financial edge, but the right choice depends fundamentally on your career interests — these schools train students for completely different professional paths. If you're passionate about engineering and technology, Harvey Mudd is worth the premium.
If healthcare and pharmacy align with your goals, Albany offers outstanding value in those fields.
Key Takeaway
The numbers are close, but the best school depends on your goals, values, and career aspirations.
This comparison was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
This comparison uses Azimuth's proprietary ROI model based on U.S. Dept. of Education data. View Full Methodology.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid.
