Scripps College
Scripps College — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Scripps College at a Glance
Scripps College is a private liberal arts women's college in Claremont, California. It was founded as a member of the Claremont Colleges in 1926, a year after the consortium's formation. Journalist and philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps provided its initial endowment.
1926
100 years old
$503M
$503 million (2024)
1,103
1,082 undergrad · 21 grad
138
32 acres
Identity
Is Scripps College Worth It?
Scripps College offers moderate value at $36,294/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $77,539, which is near the national average. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.9 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
With a 85% graduation rate, the vast majority of students finish their degree and reach these earning outcomes.
Median student debt of $13,500 is manageable at just 17% of first-year post-graduation earnings.
How Scripps College compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #2 of 8 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 | Good Samaritan College of Nursing and Health Science | 54 | $19,622 | $66,111 |
| #2 | Scripps College | 45 | $36,294 | $77,539 |
| #3 | Walla Walla University | 41 | $23,329 | $61,885 |
| #4 | Kenyon College | 39 | $38,512 | $71,830 |
| #5 | Saint Joseph's University - Lancaster | 35 | $42,478 | $86,881 |
| #6 | Pacific Union College | 23 | $41,008 | $70,484 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Scripps College's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in CA.
Best Programs at Scripps College
Program-level earnings data isn't available for Scripps College. When evaluating whether to attend, research outcomes for your specific major using the Department of Education's College Scorecard or ask the admissions office for placement rates.
As a general rule: STEM, nursing, accounting, and computer science programs tend to deliver the strongest ROI regardless of institution. Humanities and arts programs can still be worthwhile, but require more intentional career planning to achieve financial payoff.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $36,294/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
Similar Colleges in CA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Claremont, CA
- Student Body
- 1,113 students
- Admission Rate
- 38%
- Graduation Rate
- 85%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $36,294
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $77,539
- Median Student Debt
- $13,500