With the 2025-26 academic year looming, several U.S. universities continue to draw focus. They are being held accountable for their increasing tuition rates and the lack of earnings success of their graduates. Caltech and Harvey Mudd are particularly known for their rigorous academic curricula. They often have impressive results for their leavers.
Caltech, which was ranked No. 1 in the world by Times Higher Education in 2025, has a tuition of $72,699. Declaring this irreversible decision, graduates from this esteemed organization now walk into median earning of $138,687. The university is famous for its focus on science and technology research, drawing students to a high-tech STEM-focused campus.
Additionally, Harvey Mudd College, with its nine fixed Bachelor of Science degrees. Annual tuition for the coming academic year is $65,622. Graduates from Harvey Mudd report median earnings of $128,566, reflecting the strong demand for STEM graduates in the job market.
These numbers depict the increasing burden of financial investment needed for a college degree. Though college is getting more expensive, most grads end up with degrees that come with a significant return on investment for students.
- The University of California, Berkeley, with a tuition of $64,552 and median earnings of $129,455.
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) at $71,788 in tuition and median earnings of $62,830.
- Stanford University with a tuition of $56,910 and median earnings of $101,253.
One survey respondent for The Princeton Review remarked on the collaborative spirit at these institutions:
This underscored the importance of that community aspect, which many of these students had come to appreciate in their educational experience.
“Students work together to solve the problems of tomorrow, while enjoying great weather.”
Beyond intellectual challenge, the financial costs of going to these elite institutions are steep. With median earnings reported at $71,517 for some programs and higher figures like $129,455 at others, students are often weighing the cost against potential future earnings.
As tuition rates rise, the financial picture of higher education is changing, too. Now, our commitment to education is even more important as students weigh rising costs against a shrinking number of stable, middle-class career opportunities.
The financial landscape of higher education continues to evolve as tuition rates increase. The commitment to education is more critical than ever as students seek to balance costs with career opportunities.