Kenyon College
Kenyon College — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Kenyon College at a Glance
Kenyon College is a private liberal arts college in Gambier, Ohio, United States. It was founded in 1824 by Episcopal Bishop Philander Chase. It is the oldest private institution of higher education in the state of Ohio and enrolls approximately 1,800 undergraduate students. Students can choose from over 50 majors, minors, and concentrations, including self-designed majors.
1824
202 years old
$680M
$680 million (2025)
1,877
213
1,000 acres
Identity
Is Kenyon College Worth It?
At a value score of 39/100, Kenyon College is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $71,830 — 34% above average — while paying $38,512/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.1-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
The 84% graduation rate means roughly 16% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Kenyon College has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Kenyon College compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #15 of 22 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Trinity University | 63 | $23,464 | $71,668 |
| #2 | Bryn Mawr College | 49 | $31,759 | $75,217 |
| #3 | Mount Holyoke College | 47 | $26,441 | $58,418 |
| #4 | Gettysburg College | 47 | $31,490 | $71,517 |
| #5 | Scripps College | 45 | $36,294 | $77,539 |
| #6 | Macalester College | 44 | $32,149 | $63,878 |
| #15 | Kenyon College | 39 | $38,512 | $71,830 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Kenyon College's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at Kenyon College
The highest-earning program at Kenyon College is Economics at $49,200/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is English Language and Literature, General at $23,200/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Economics graduate from Kenyon College earns $49,200, while a English Language and Literature, General graduate earns $23,200. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Economics graduates carry $19,000 in median debt vs. $17,750 for English Language and Literature, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $38,512/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economics | $49,200 | $49,200 | $19,000 |
| English Language and Literature, General | $23,200 | $23,200 | $17,750 |
Similar Colleges in OH
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Gambier, OH
- Student Body
- 1,732 students
- Admission Rate
- 31%
- Graduation Rate
- 84%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $38,512
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $71,830
- Median Student Debt
- $18,527