Harvey Mudd College's published cost of attendance reaches $84,896 per year, including $66,255 in tuition, $21,710 for room and board, and $800 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $32,492 after financial aid, representing savings of $52,404 through institutional and federal aid programs.
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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) | $90,165 |
| Tuition and Fees | $68,613 |
| Room and Board | $22,318 |
| Books and Supplies | $800 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$54,241 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $35,924 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $27,979 |
| $30–48k | $23,883 |
| $48–75k | $17,968 |
| $75–110k | $25,468 |
| $110k+ | $50,665 |
Harvey Mudd College's published cost of attendance reaches $84,896 per year, including $66,255 in tuition, $21,710 for room and board, and $800 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $32,492 after financial aid, representing savings of $52,404 through institutional and federal aid programs. This net price exceeds the peer median of $21,812 by $10,680, reflecting Harvey Mudd's position as a premium private institution with specialized STEM focus.
The substantial gap between sticker price and average net price indicates meaningful financial aid distribution, though costs remain elevated compared to typical four-year institutions. Net prices vary significantly by family income, ranging from $17,340 for families earning under $30,000 to $52,642 for those earning over $110,000. This progressive pricing structure provides the most substantial aid to lower-income families while maintaining higher costs for affluent families.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Harvey Mudd College students graduate with median debt of $25,000, matching the peer median exactly and indicating controlled borrowing relative to similar institutions. Debt levels range from $13,500 at the 25th percentile to $27,000 at the 75th percentile, showing consistency in borrowing patterns across students.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.18 indicates manageable debt relative to post-graduation income, with graduates earning sufficient income to support standard loan repayment. Parent PLUS borrowing reaches a median of $33,386 with monthly payments of $440, requiring families to budget for additional education-related debt beyond student loans.
The combination of $25,000 student debt and $33,386 parent borrowing represents total family educational debt of $58,386, substantial but supportable given Harvey Mudd's exceptional post-graduation earnings. Students should recognize that while debt levels match peer institutions, the total family investment including Parent PLUS loans creates meaningful financial commitments that require careful planning and post-graduation earnings to justify the educational investment.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Harvey Mudd College represents a premium educational investment with exceptional return potential for STEM-focused students. Graduates earn $59,622 beyond expectations, ranking at the 99.7th percentile nationally among the highest we track for earnings uplift.
Median earnings of $138,687 substantially exceed the peer median of $50,412 by $88,275, creating a strong foundation for debt repayment and long-term financial security. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.18 indicates highly manageable borrowing relative to income potential, particularly given Harvey Mudd's focus on high-earning STEM fields.
Despite elevated costs compared to peer institutions, the exceptional earnings outcomes justify the premium for students committed to intensive STEM education and technical careers. The investment assessment strongly favors Harvey Mudd for students who can access admission and manage the upfront costs, as the long-term financial returns substantially exceed typical higher education investments.
Harvey Mudd College's financial aid system provides substantial support relative to the institution's premium sticker price, though costs remain elevated compared to peer institutions. The $52,404 average aid package covers 61.8% of the published cost of attendance, indicating meaningful institutional investment in affordability.
However, with 14.1% Pell-eligible enrollment, Harvey Mudd serves fewer low-income students than typical four-year institutions, suggesting that affordability challenges persist despite aid availability. The aid distribution concentrates support toward lower-income families, with middle-income families in the $30,000-$48,000 range receiving the most generous relative support at just $6,818 net cost.
Financial aid appears designed to make Harvey Mudd accessible to academically qualified students across income levels, though the specialized STEM focus and premium costs may limit appeal for families comparing to more affordable alternatives.
