Haverford College
Haverford College is a private nonprofit university in Haverford, PA ranked #150 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of A-, enrolling about 1,421 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 12.9%. Students most often pursue education and public service.
Academically, students benefit from a 8:1 student-faculty ratio, 93.7% first-year retention, and 89.4% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $25,210, about $8,212 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -4709.1%, roughly 4794.4 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $53,353. That's about $9,665 higher than national results. It's a compelling fit for motivated learners who want a competitive yet collaborative community and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is Haverford College Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Haverford College graduates 89.4% of students within six years and keeps 93.7% of first-year students. Affordability earns a D- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Haverford College's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $68,300 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,240 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $18,880 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $1,962 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $84,605 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 14.1% of Haverford College students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Low-income families pay less than $3,600 annually, while high-income families pay $44,137. Use Haverford College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $19,041/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $44,137/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $53,353
- 10-Year Median Earnings $53,353
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $12,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 90.6%
- Employment Rate 74.4%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Haverford College graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Haverford College vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Haverford College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Haverford College's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Haverford College graduates earn $53,353 median, the -47.1% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 710-760
- SAT Math 720-780
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 33-35
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 1,421
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 93.7%
- Graduation Rate 89.4%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 8:1
How to Get Into Haverford College
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Haverford College requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 12.9%, Haverford College is highly selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: Haverford College's 12.9% acceptance rate makes it highly selective. Strong test scores, GPA, and a well-rounded application are essential. Early application can improve your chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1430 and 1540 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Haverford College undergraduates. Economics, Biology, General, and Political Science and Government draw the most students.
- Economics 10.2%
- Biology, General 8.9%
- Political Science and Government 7.5%
- Computer and Information Sciences, General 7.3%
- Psychology, General 7.0%
- Mathematics 6.7%
See more majors
- Chemistry 6.7%
- Anthropology 6.5%
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Haverford College. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Economics (Bachelor's Degree, 38 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 33 graduates)
- Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degree, 28 graduates)
- Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degree, 27 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 26 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (36 programs)▼
- Economics
- Biology, General
- Political Science and Government
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Psychology, General
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Anthropology
- English Language and Literature, General
- Physics
- History
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Philosophy
- Sociology
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Music
- International/Global Studies
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Cognitive Science
- Area Studies
- Archeology
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Urban Studies/Affairs
- Research and Experimental Psychology
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 1,421
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 43.4%
- Female Students 56.6%
- Caucasian 48.6%
- Asian 12.3%
- Hispanic 12.3%
- Black 5.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients 14.1%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Haverford College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Haverford College's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Haverford College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Haverford College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Haverford College has a diverse student body, with 48.6% identifying as White. About 14.1% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Haverford College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Haverford College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Haverford College offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -47.1% ROI. Ranked #150 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $25,210 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $53,353 median earnings. With 89.4% graduating within six years and 93.7% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Haverford College's Positioning
With a A- grade and #150 ranking, Haverford College competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $25,210 annually, Haverford College charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 93.7% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $17,647 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -47.1% ROI and $53,353 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $15,210+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Haverford College ranks #150 of 6275 institutions, with 933 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 89.4% six-year graduation rate sits 26.9 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 93.7% first-year retention is 16.9 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -47.1% return on investment is 132.4 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $53,353 run about 22% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $25,210 is roughly $5,077 higher than the national median of $20,133.
Helpfulness for Students
- 8:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 93.7% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 74.4% employment rate within three years sits 6.2 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $25,210 is about $5,077 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 14.1% trails the national share by 24.8 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Haverford, PA, Haverford College operates as a private nonprofit university and receives a A- from EDsmart. It stands at #150 among 6275 schools Completion earns A, Support A, Career Outcomes B, and Affordability D-.
93.7% of learners come back after year one while 89.4% complete the degree within six years. The reported ROI is -47.1%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $25,210 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $84,605.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $59,395 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $12,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 14.1% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $53,353 six years after entry. This is roughly 22% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
The three-year employment rate is close to 74.4%.
EDsmart lists the ROI at -47.1%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
12.9% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Haverford College admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Haverford, PA 19041-1392
- Website www.haverford.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
- Endowment$619.0M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate5.4%