Students at Wheaton College achieve exceptional earnings outcomes that place them among the top performers nationally, particularly impressive for low-income graduates who reach the 93rd percentile for post-graduation earnings.
The college consistently delivers higher-than-expected financial returns, demonstrating its ability to translate a liberal arts education into measurable economic success.
Wheaton College (Massachusetts) delivers exceptional long-term value for students who can access it, ranking in the 85th percentile nationally for earnings outcomes among all colleges and universities. What sets Wheaton apart is how consistently its graduates achieve strong financial results across diverse fields of study, with median earnings of $67,725 ten years after enrollment and particularly impressive outcomes in business and economics.
As a small liberal arts college, Wheaton combines the intimate academic environment typical of elite private institutions with career preparation that translates into measurable economic success. Nearly 20% of students receive Pell Grants, and those low-income students achieve earnings outcomes that rank in the 93rd percentile nationally, demonstrating the college's ability to support upward mobility for students from all backgrounds.
The college's "Selective Achievers" mobility profile reflects its balance of academic selectivity with strong outcomes for the students it enrolls. While net prices are higher than typical public options, Wheaton's graduates consistently outperform earnings expectations, making it a compelling choice for families who can manage the investment and want confidence in long-term financial returns.
Wheaton College's program portfolio reflects its liberal arts foundation while delivering strong career preparation in key professional fields. Business Administration stands out as both the largest high-return program and a major economic driver, graduating 59 students who benefit from the college's strong alumni networks in finance and consulting. Applied Economics represents the highest-earning major with graduates earning $42,682 early in their careers, positioning students well for roles in banking, policy analysis, and corporate strategy.
Psychology, while showing more modest initial earnings at $27,126, represents Wheaton's commitment to foundational liberal arts disciplines that often lead to graduate school and professional programs in counseling, social work, and related fields. The college's small size means each program benefits from close faculty mentorship and personalized career guidance, contributing to the strong long-term outcomes seen across all majors. This focused approach allows Wheaton to maintain program quality while ensuring graduates are well-prepared for competitive career paths regardless of their field of study.
Wheaton College graduates achieve strong long-term financial outcomes that consistently exceed expectations. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $67,725, placing the college in the 85th percentile nationally for earnings performance. Graduates earn about $2,503 more than similar students at comparable institutions, reflecting Wheaton's ability to add meaningful value beyond what would be predicted based on student characteristics alone.
The college's strongest financial returns come from its business and economics programs. Business Administration graduates, representing the largest high-return program with 59 graduates, earn a median of $38,289 early in their careers but see substantial growth over time. Applied Economics majors achieve some of the highest early earnings at $42,682, while Psychology graduates, though earning more modestly at $27,126 initially, often pursue graduate education or enter fields with strong long-term earning potential. This program mix reflects Wheaton's strength in preparing students for professional careers in business, finance, and related fields that offer substantial upward mobility over time.
Wheaton College requires a significant financial commitment, with net prices that rank in the 14th percentile nationally for affordability. Low-income students pay about $19,884 annually after aid, while middle-income families face costs around $25,454 per year, and high-income families pay approximately $35,859. These figures reflect the reality of private liberal arts education, where sticker prices are high but financial aid can provide meaningful support for qualifying families.
The college's aid strategy focuses on making attendance possible for students across income levels, though families should expect to contribute substantially more than they would at public institutions. Most students who borrow take on manageable debt levels relative to their post-graduation earning potential, with typical federal loan debt of $26,000 and Parent PLUS borrowing averaging $36,000. While these amounts require careful planning, Wheaton's strong earnings outcomes and excellent loan repayment rates suggest that graduates are generally able to service their debt successfully after graduation.
Wheaton College (Massachusetts) Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
