Washington College
Chestertown, Maryland · Private Nonprofit · 56.9% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 64/100 · Fair Value
Washington College scores 64 (Fair Value) on the CampusROI scale. This small liberal arts college in Chestertown, Maryland, charges $55,326 in sticker tuition with a net price of $27,898. Median 6-year earnings of $40,700 and a 65.4% completion rate are the key metrics. The 8.2-year payback period is mediocre for a private liberal arts school at this price. The repayment rate of 90.0% at three years is the strongest sub-score, suggesting graduates who finish are managing their debt responsibly. Programs are small in volume and limited in diversity. Economics (8 graduates, $50,835 year-one, $75,674 year-four, ROI grade C+) and International Relations (14 graduates, $36,741 year-one, $69,018 year-four, ROI grade C) have adequate outcomes. Natural Resources Conservation (30 graduates) earns an F-grade ROI with a 1.188 debt-to-earnings ratio and $22,324 year-one earnings. Biology (31 graduates, ROI grade D) and Psychology (27 graduates, ROI grade D) are below-average performers. Median debt of $26,956 is high. At 891 enrolled, Washington College is tiny -- campus relationships are intimate, but the academic and career resource infrastructure is also limited relative to larger schools. The Chestertown location is rural and remote from major employment markets, which may suppress early-career earnings by limiting internship and networking access.
Washington College
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $55,326/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $55,326/yr |
| Average net price | $27,898/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $111,592 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $65,518 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $40,700 |
| Median debt at graduation | $26,956 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $286 |
| Estimated payback period | 8.2 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 65.4% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 891 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Washington College is $55,326/year. But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $27,898/year, or roughly $111,592 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $17,804/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $33,980/year.
The median graduate leaves with $26,956 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $286 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $65,518 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.66 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,804 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $22,722 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $25,068 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $26,760 |
| $110,001+ | $33,980 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
The 0-30000 bracket pays $17,804 per year at Washington College. Four years at $17,804 totals $71,216. Against median 6-year earnings of $40,700 and a 65.4% completion rate, the financial case requires careful program selection. Natural resources and social sciences at this price are difficult to justify. Economics or business paths are more defensible.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
The 48001-75000 bracket pays $25,068 and the 75001-110000 bracket pays $26,760. Middle-income families face a four-year cost of $100,272-$107,040. Against a 65.4% completion rate and $40,700 median earnings, the payback period at median is 8.2 years. Program selection matters enormously at this price point.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
The 110001-plus bracket pays $33,980 per year, totaling $135,920 over four years. At an 8.2-year payback and $40,700 median earnings, full-pay is a stretch at median program outcomes. Washington College's full-pay value proposition rests primarily on the residential experience and regional reputation rather than financial return data.
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Washington College with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Biology | $55,165 | D |
| Natural Resources Conservation | $46,831 | F |
| Psychology | $44,955 | D |
| International Relations | $69,018 | C |
| Sociology | $53,799 | C+ |
| English Language and Literature | $46,305 | C |
| History | $51,167 | - |
| Economics | $75,674 | C+ |
| International Relations and National Security Studies | $67,983 | - |
| Business Administration and Management | $74,880 | C |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Economics
Economics (8 graduates) earns $50,835 year-one and $75,674 year-four with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.531 (ROI grade C+). Median debt of $27,000 at $50,835 year-one is a 0.53 ratio -- manageable. The very small graduate volume (8) limits reliability. Year-four earnings of $75k suggest career advancement for graduates who enter finance or business roles in the Baltimore-Washington corridor.
International Relations
International Relations (14 graduates) earns $36,741 year-one and $69,018 year-four with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.673 (ROI grade C). Near-term earnings of $36,741 reflect government, NGO, and public service entry-level pay. The four-year jump to $69,018 shows meaningful career progression. Median debt of $24,721 at $36,741 year-one is tight in the first years. Graduate school in international affairs is a common next step that delays earnings capture.
Natural Resources Conservation
Natural Resources Conservation (30 graduates) earns $22,324 year-one and $46,831 year-four with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.188 (ROI grade F). Median debt of $26,529 is 119% of year-one earnings. The Chesapeake Bay-adjacent campus supports a natural resources curriculum, but the labor market for environmental conservation roles pays poorly relative to student debt. This is among the weakest program-level outcomes in the Mid-Atlantic liberal arts segment.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 87.3% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 90.0% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 83.9% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 89.9% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 56.9% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 560-680 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 580-710 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 27-31 |
| Enrollment | 891 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 22.6% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $6,768 |
At 56.9%, Washington College is accessible within its academic profile. SAT 560-680 Math and 580-710 Reading, ACT 27-31, describe a well-prepared but not highly selective student body. The credential carries regional recognition in Maryland but limited national reach. For students set on a small liberal arts experience in the Mid-Atlantic at a net price below $30,000, Washington College is a viable option -- but outcomes data suggest the financial return is only adequate.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
Washington College's Scorecard peers include Allegheny College, Walla Walla University, AdventHealth University, Capitol Technology, and Washington Adventist. The meaningful liberal arts comparables are Allegheny College, which has broadly similar characteristics. Washington College's ROI of 64 is moderate. Its completion rate of 65.4% is below most comparable liberal arts colleges. The repayment rate of 90.0% is a bright spot. For Maryland students, St. Mary's College of Maryland (public honors college) and McDaniel College offer competitive alternatives at lower net cost.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington College (this school) | 64 | $27,898 | $65,518 |
| Capitol Technology University | 79 | $22,102 | $85,035 |
| AdventHealth University | 63 | $30,135 | $72,282 |
| Allegheny College | 63 | $22,940 | $62,069 |
| Walla Walla University | 62 | $23,329 | $61,885 |
| Washington Adventist University | 55 | $18,526 | $64,249 |
Who Thrives Here
Washington College admits 56.9% of applicants with SAT mid-ranges of 560-680 Math and 580-710 Reading; ACT 27-31. At 891 enrolled, it is one of the smallest liberal arts colleges in this dataset. The Pell grant rate of 22.6% is modest. Washington College draws students who value small-campus, residential liberal arts education in Maryland and the broader Mid-Atlantic. The geography -- Eastern Shore of Maryland, near Chesapeake Bay -- shapes campus life and environmental studies. Students pursuing writing, environmental science, or business in a close-knit setting are the primary fit.
The Verdict: A Reasonable Bet - With Caveats
Washington College offers fair financial value, though the ROI depends heavily on individual circumstances. The net cost of $27,898 per year leads to $111,592 over four years, while graduates earn a median of $65,518 a decade out. The payback period of 8.2 years is about average - not bad, but not a standout either.
Key strengths include high loan repayment success. However, the data also shows high debt relative to what graduates earn.
Median debt of $26,956 against $65,518 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
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Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.