Sarah Lawrence College
Sarah Lawrence College — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is Sarah Lawrence College Worth It?
At a value score of 23/100, Sarah Lawrence College is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $53,603 — 0% above average — while paying $41,437/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 3.1-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
The 71% graduation rate means roughly 29% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
With median debt of $27,000 representing 50% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Sarah Lawrence College has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Sarah Lawrence College compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in NY
Ranked #56 of 79 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 | Centre College | 66 | $20,781 | $66,240 |
| #2 | Fresno Pacific University | 57 | $13,630 | $58,896 |
| #3 | Gustavus Adolphus College | 55 | $22,900 | $65,607 |
| #4 | North Park University | 50 | $16,948 | $59,572 |
| #5 | Daemen University | 48 | $18,693 | $61,808 |
| #6 | The College of Wooster | 47 | $23,458 | $59,629 |
| #56 | Sarah Lawrence College | 23 | $41,437 | $53,603 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Sarah Lawrence College's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 7 in NY.
Best Programs at Sarah Lawrence College
The highest-earning program at Sarah Lawrence College is Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at $20,700/year (4 years after graduation).
Your major matters more than the school name — a Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities graduate from Sarah Lawrence College earns $20,700, while a Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities graduate earns $20,700. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities graduates carry $14,000 in median debt vs. $14,000 for Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $41,437/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $20,700 | $20,700 | $14,000 |
Similar Colleges in NY
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Bronxville, NY
- Student Body
- 1,530 students
- Admission Rate
- 62%
- Graduation Rate
- 71%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $41,437
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $53,603
- Median Student Debt
- $27,000