Students at Hendrix College achieve above-average long-term earnings that place the institution in the top third nationally for graduate financial outcomes.
The college combines solid career preparation with strong debt management, as evidenced by exceptional loan repayment rates and zero federal loan defaults.
Hendrix College is a small private liberal arts institution in Conway, Arkansas, that delivers above-average long-term earnings despite serving a relatively affluent student population. With only about 23% of students receiving Pell Grants and 19% being first-generation college students, Hendrix operates as what researchers call an "Opportunity Builder" — an institution with limited access for low-income students but solid outcomes for those who do enroll.
The college's graduates earn a median of $60,376 ten years after enrollment, placing Hendrix in the 67th percentile nationally for earnings outcomes. This performance reflects the institution's focus on liberal arts education combined with practical career preparation, particularly in fields like psychology and applied economics where graduates see meaningful early-career success.
As a small private college with fewer than 1,500 students, Hendrix offers the intimate academic environment typical of liberal arts institutions while maintaining stronger financial outcomes than many of its peers. The college's 69% six-year graduation rate and solid loan repayment patterns suggest that students who enroll generally complete their degrees and transition successfully into the workforce, though the institution's higher net prices mean it primarily serves middle- and upper-income families.
Hendrix College's program portfolio reflects the breadth and depth typical of quality liberal arts institutions, with psychology and applied economics leading both in enrollment and career outcomes. Psychology, the college's largest major with 43 graduates, demonstrates the liberal arts pathway where modest early earnings of $22,652 often improve substantially as graduates pursue advanced degrees or gain experience in counseling, social work, research, and related fields that value the analytical and interpersonal skills developed through rigorous liberal arts training.
Applied Economics, with 25 graduates earning $38,289 early in their careers, represents Hendrix's strength in practical liberal arts disciplines that translate directly into business, finance, and policy roles. This program exemplifies how the college combines theoretical foundation with applied skills, preparing students for immediate workforce entry while maintaining the intellectual breadth that supports long-term career flexibility and growth.
The college's program mix emphasizes foundational disciplines that prepare students for diverse career trajectories rather than focusing on high-earning technical specializations. This approach means graduates often see their Hendrix education pay dividends over time as they apply critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills across various professional contexts, though initial salaries may be more modest than those from institutions with stronger pre-professional or STEM concentrations.
Hendrix College graduates achieve solid long-term financial outcomes that place the institution above average nationally. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $60,376, positioning Hendrix in the 67th percentile for earnings among all institutions. While graduates don't significantly outperform expectations compared with similar students at other colleges, the absolute earnings levels reflect the value of a liberal arts education combined with practical career preparation.
The college's strongest programs demonstrate the breadth typical of liberal arts institutions. Psychology leads in both enrollment and aggregate return, with 43 graduates earning a median of $22,652 early in their careers — modest starting pay that often improves substantially as graduates pursue advanced degrees or gain experience in counseling, social work, and related fields. Applied Economics, with 25 graduates, shows stronger early earnings at $38,289, reflecting the practical skills and analytical training that translate well into business, finance, and policy roles.
Hendrix's program mix emphasizes foundational liberal arts disciplines that prepare students for diverse career paths rather than focusing on high-earning technical fields. This approach means graduates often see earnings growth over time as they apply their broad-based education to various professional contexts, though initial salaries may be more modest than those from institutions with stronger STEM or business concentrations.
Affordability at Hendrix College varies significantly by family income, with the institution primarily serving middle- and upper-income students. Low-income families pay about $17,343 annually after aid, while middle-income families see costs around $21,853, and high-income families pay approximately $26,203. These net prices place Hendrix in the 35th percentile nationally for affordability, meaning costs run higher than at most comparable institutions.
The college's financial aid structure reflects its position as a private liberal arts institution serving a relatively affluent student population. With only 23% of students receiving Pell Grants, Hendrix enrolls far fewer low-income students than typical colleges, and the aid packages available don't bring costs down to levels that make the institution broadly accessible to families with limited resources. This pricing structure is common among small private colleges that rely heavily on tuition revenue to maintain their educational model.
Despite higher upfront costs, Hendrix graduates generally manage their debt loads successfully. The college's strong loan repayment patterns and zero federal loan default rate suggest that students who complete their degrees are well-positioned to handle their financial obligations, though families should expect to contribute more out-of-pocket or through borrowing compared with public alternatives.
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