Students at Washington College achieve earnings outcomes that place the institution in the top quartile nationally, reflecting the lasting value of a personalized liberal arts education.
Graduates benefit from strong long-term financial performance and exceptional loan repayment success, with no federal loan defaults recorded.
Washington College ranks among the top performers nationally for long-term earnings outcomes, placing in the 79th percentile for return on investment among all institutions. This small private liberal arts college in Maryland's Eastern Shore combines the personalized attention of a boutique educational experience with surprisingly strong financial outcomes for graduates. With just over 1,000 students, Washington College offers an intimate campus environment where students can build close relationships with faculty and peers while preparing for careers that deliver solid long-term earning potential.
The college demonstrates particular strength in supporting student success through completion, with 74% of all students graduating within six years and Pell Grant recipients actually outperforming their peers with a 77% six-year graduation rate. This pattern of strong outcomes for lower-income students reflects the institution's commitment to accessibility and student support, even within a selective liberal arts framework.
For families considering private college options, Washington College presents an interesting value proposition: the intimate, high-touch educational experience typical of elite liberal arts colleges, but with more accessible pricing and financial aid packages that make attendance realistic for middle-class families. The combination of small class sizes, strong alumni networks, and career preparation that translates into meaningful long-term earnings makes Washington College a compelling choice for students who want both academic rigor and financial security.
Washington College's academic programs reflect the breadth and depth typical of quality liberal arts institutions, with particular strength in preparing students for diverse career paths. Applied Economics emerges as the highest aggregate return program, combining solid enrollment with strong earning potential that reflects the college's ability to prepare students for careers in business, finance, and policy analysis. The program's success demonstrates how Washington College integrates liberal arts principles with practical career preparation.
Biology represents the college's largest program, enrolling 43 students who go on to earn median salaries of $33,993 ten years out. These outcomes are typical for biology majors, many of whom use their undergraduate education as preparation for medical school, graduate research programs, or careers in healthcare and biotechnology. Psychology, with 39 graduates earning $35,926, reflects another area of institutional strength, preparing students for careers in counseling, human resources, social work, and graduate study in psychology or related fields.
The pattern across programs shows how Washington College's liberal arts approach creates versatile graduates who can adapt to changing career landscapes. While individual program earnings vary, the overall institutional performance in the top quartile nationally for earnings suggests that the college's emphasis on critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving serves graduates well across multiple industries and career trajectories.
Washington College graduates achieve strong long-term financial outcomes that place the institution in the top quartile nationally for earnings performance. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $65,518, reflecting the value of a liberal arts education that emphasizes critical thinking, communication skills, and adaptability across various career paths. The college's small size allows for personalized career guidance and strong alumni networking that helps graduates transition successfully into the workforce.
Program-level outcomes show interesting patterns across Washington College's academic offerings. Applied Economics stands out as the highest aggregate return major, combining solid enrollment of 33 graduates with median earnings of $46,087, demonstrating how the college's economics program prepares students for careers in business, finance, and policy analysis. Biology represents the largest program footprint with 43 graduates earning a median of $33,993, typical for a field where many students pursue graduate education in medicine, research, or related health professions. Psychology, with 39 graduates earning $35,926, reflects the college's strength in preparing students for careers in counseling, human resources, social services, and graduate study.
The liberal arts foundation at Washington College translates into versatile career preparation that serves graduates well across multiple industries. While individual program earnings vary, the overall institutional performance suggests that the college's emphasis on writing, analytical thinking, and problem-solving creates graduates who can adapt and advance in their chosen fields over time.
Washington College demonstrates strong affordability, particularly for low-income families who benefit from generous financial aid packages. Low-income students pay an average net price of just $13,498 annually, making this private liberal arts education accessible at a cost comparable to many public universities. Middle-income families see net prices around $25,670, while higher-income families pay approximately $35,886, reflecting a progressive aid structure that provides the most support where it's needed most.
The college's financial aid approach helps keep debt levels manageable relative to the private college sector. Students typically graduate with about $26,956 in federal loan debt, a reasonable amount given the institution's strong earnings outcomes and the premium typically associated with private liberal arts education. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $49,309, which is substantial but reflects the reality that many families choose to invest significantly in the personalized educational experience that small private colleges provide.
What makes Washington College particularly sustainable financially is the combination of reasonable debt levels and strong long-term earning potential. With graduates earning a median of $65,518 ten years out, most borrowers can comfortably manage their student loan obligations while building wealth over time. The college's 0% federal loan default rate indicates that graduates successfully transition into careers that provide sufficient income to meet their financial obligations.
Washington College Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
