Franklin W Olin College Of Engineering publishes a comprehensive cost of attendance of $81,486 per year, including $64,458 in tuition and fees, $19,820 for room and board, and $216 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $20,575 after financial aid—a savings of $60,911 from the sticker price.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $81,486 |
| Tuition and Fees | $64,458 |
| Room and Board | $19,820 |
| Books and Supplies | $216 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$60,911 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $20,575 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $7,058 |
| $30–48k | $4,690 |
| $48–75k | $13,333 |
| $75–110k | $21,098 |
| $110k+ | $46,317 |
Franklin W Olin College Of Engineering publishes a comprehensive cost of attendance of $81,486 per year, including $64,458 in tuition and fees, $19,820 for room and board, and $216 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $20,575 after financial aid—a savings of $60,911 from the sticker price. This substantial financial aid reduces costs by approximately 75% for the typical family. The average net price of $20,575 compares favorably to the peer median of $21,812, making Olin slightly more affordable than similar institutions despite its specialized engineering focus and exceptional outcomes.
Net prices vary significantly by family income, ranging from $7,058 for families earning under $30,000 to $46,317 for families earning over $110,000. This progressive pricing structure indicates substantial need-based aid targeting lower- and middle-income families, with the most significant support directed toward students from families earning under $48,000 annually.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Median debt levels at Olin remain moderate at $19,500, below the peer median of $25,000 by $5,500. Debt ranges from $6,500 at the 25th percentile to $21,500 at the 75th percentile, indicating most students borrow similar amounts regardless of individual circumstances.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.15 represents highly favorable borrowing relative to post-graduation income, with typical monthly payments representing a small fraction of engineering salaries. The controlled debt levels, combined with exceptional earnings outcomes, create sustainable financial trajectories for graduates. With median earnings of $129,455, typical debt service requires less than 15% of gross income—well within recommended guidelines for manageable student loan obligations.
The below-peer debt levels suggest effective financial aid packaging that minimizes borrowing needs while maintaining access to high-quality engineering education. This debt profile positions Olin graduates for strong post-graduation financial stability with minimal constraint on career choices or major financial decisions.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Olin represents an exceptional educational investment based on return metrics and debt sustainability. Graduates earn $60,450 beyond expectations relative to similar students—ranking at the 99.7th percentile nationally among the highest we track.
Median earnings of $129,455 place Olin graduates $79,043 above the typical peer institution median, representing substantial long-term earning premiums. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.15 indicates highly manageable borrowing relative to income potential, with most graduates able to service debt comfortably while pursuing career goals. Combined with below-peer debt levels and exceptional return index performance at the 99.6th percentile, Olin delivers among the strongest risk-adjusted returns in higher education.
The investment yields both immediate career advantages through specialized engineering preparation and sustained earning premiums throughout graduates' careers, justifying the educational investment for students committed to technical careers.
Olin's financial aid program generates average savings of $60,911 per student, reducing the published cost from $81,486 to $20,575. The 13.5% Pell share indicates that roughly 1 in 8 students qualifies for federal need-based aid, a lower proportion than typical public institutions but consistent with specialized technical colleges serving academically high-achieving populations. The substantial gap between sticker price and net costs suggests comprehensive institutional aid programs beyond federal assistance.
Net prices by income tier indicate that aid concentrates heavily toward lower-income families, with the steepest reductions for families earning under $48,000. This aid structure supports access for students from diverse economic backgrounds while recognizing that specialized engineering education attracts students from families with varying financial resources and educational preparation.
