Kenyon College's published cost of attendance reaches $83,800 per year—that's $69,330 in tuition, $14,410 for room and board, and $1,900 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $29,383 after financial aid, representing savings of $54,417 through institutional grants and federal aid.
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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) | $87,590 |
| Tuition and Fees | $71,520 |
| Room and Board | $15,640 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,900 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$49,078 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $38,512 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $18,242 |
| $30–48k | $26,319 |
| $48–75k | $19,156 |
| $75–110k | $23,757 |
| $110k+ | $51,432 |
Kenyon College's published cost of attendance reaches $83,800 per year—that's $69,330 in tuition, $14,410 for room and board, and $1,900 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $29,383 after financial aid, representing savings of $54,417 through institutional grants and federal aid. This net price sits $7,571 above the peer median of $21,812, indicating that Kenyon costs significantly more than typical four-year institutions even after financial aid.
The gap between sticker price and net price demonstrates substantial financial aid, though the college operates at premium pricing relative to peer institutions. Net prices vary dramatically by family income, ranging from $8,865 for families earning under $30,000 to $45,073 for those earning over $110,000 annually. This $36,208 spread between lowest and highest income tiers reflects Kenyon's need-based financial aid strategy, which provides significant support to lower-income families while expecting higher-income families to pay closer to full cost.
Kenyon College provides $54,417 in average financial aid savings, reducing the $83,800 sticker price to a $29,383 net cost. The significant aid reflects the institution's high tuition pricing model combined with need-based redistribution.
With only 10.1% Pell-eligible students, the aid primarily supports a relatively small population of lower-income students while middle-income families face substantial costs. The progressive pricing structure shows net costs rising from $8,865 for families under $30,000 to $45,073 for families over $110,000, indicating that financial aid effectively subsidizes lower-income access.
However, the limited Pell enrollment suggests that even with aid, cost barriers prevent many lower-income students from enrolling. The aid strategy appears designed to maintain economic diversity within a predominantly affluent student body rather than to maximize access for lower-income students.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Kenyon College graduates carry a median debt of $18,527, which sits $6,473 below the peer median of $25,000. Debt levels range from $7,500 at the 25th percentile to $21,737 at the 75th percentile, indicating that most students borrow moderately rather than at high levels.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26 means that typical graduates dedicate roughly 26% of their first year's gross earnings to total educational debt, which falls within manageable parameters. Parent PLUS borrowing reaches a median of $51,320 with monthly payments of $676, indicating that families often supplement student aid with parent borrowing.
This parent debt level suggests that the published financial aid may not fully cover family need, leading to additional borrowing beyond the student debt figures. The relatively controlled student debt levels, combined with above-average earnings, create favorable conditions for loan repayment.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Kenyon College delivers $4,335 in earnings beyond expectations, ranking at the 71.7th percentile nationally for this measure. Graduate earnings of $71,830 exceed the peer median by $21,418, demonstrating strong career outcomes relative to similar institutions.
With student debt of $18,527 versus peer debt of $25,000, Kenyon graduates face lower borrowing burdens while achieving higher earnings. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26 indicates sustainable repayment capacity for most graduates.
However, the institution's net price of $29,383 exceeds peer pricing by $7,571, creating affordability challenges during enrollment. The return on investment ranks at the 95th percentile nationally, reflecting the combination of strong earnings and controlled debt levels.
