Yes! A Muhlenberg College Degree Is Worth the Cost
From college search rankings, to investment magazine reviews, to large-scale data studies, one thing is clear to all — the value of a Muhlenberg College liberal arts degree is not only high, it outpaces the competition.By: Carey Manzolillo Tuesday, July 29, 2025 09:00 AM
In fact, a Georgetown study on the value of certifications, associates, and bachelor’s degrees found that the return on investment of a Muhlenberg College degree outpaces 80% of those earned at any of the nation’s 4,600 public, private, non- or for-profit colleges and universities by 15 years post-graduation — rising to 90% by the 20-year mark.
Muhlenberg liberal arts = high ROI
Although higher value and higher earnings are often only associated with engineering or computing degrees, a high-volume study of U.S. Department of Education data shows that Muhlenberg’s liberal arts degree graduate earnings are outpacing average earnings for all institutions in areas as varied as the arts, the humanities, the natural sciences, and the social sciences, as well as computer science, business administration, and preprofessional programs.
Coaching isn’t just for athletics
Muhlenberg’s high return on investment ratings underscore the rewards of combining the college’s challenging liberal arts curriculum and immersive, experiential learning. Beginning in their first semester, Muhlenberg students are paired with a career counselor and a college life coach in addition to their faculty advisors. One-on-one career coaching continues throughout the college journey and even after graduation.
Exploration is key
At Muhlenberg, hands-on experiential learning opportunities are supported by a thriving alumni network of individuals who are interested in helping current students build connections, deepen industry knowledge, and gain competitive skills.
“I’ve never heard of a school in the arts that embraces a student’s individuality so fully,” said Katrina Binks ’24, who credits Muhlenberg’s dance program for shaping her path as a successful choreographer. “At Muhlenberg, it’s never been a question of ‘Can I do this?’ but ‘How can I make this happen?’ And whenever I’ve asked that question my peers and teachers are immediately there to provide that positive energy that makes those ideas into a reality.”
A high rate of student engagement in activities, civic engagement, and athletics allow for a variety of explorative adventures. And the college’s location in the the city of Allentown, Pennsylvania, allows for quick access to community partnerships, internships, externships, and other collaborative opportunities.
“My summer research project with [Professor Paul Murphy] helped me learn how to operate on my own schedule and hold myself accountable without the rigid structure of a formal class,” said Daisy Cunningham ’25. “It also excited me for grad school music research, which is something I would definitely love to pursue.”
“One thing about Muhlenberg that has been valuable to me is how I’m constantly uplifted,” said accounting major and student-athlete Erica Borbi ’25. “If there’s something I want to do on this campus, there’s somebody out there who’s going to look me in the eye and say, ‘Yes, you can do this, and this is how I’m going to support you.’”
Success by the Numbers
Who says Muhlenberg ROI is top notch?
- The Wall Street Journal
- The Princeton Review
- Money.com
- Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce
Recent Muhlenberg alumni have gone on to work at the Big Four accounting firms, Pixar, Accenture, Goldman Sachs, Lockheed Martin, BlackRock, CBS Sports, and Universal Music Group. Others have landed jobs on Broadway and in national and regional performances. Recent grads have also pursued postgraduate degrees at institutions including Harvard University, Boston University, Cornell University, New York University, and The George Washington University. Muhlenberg has a more than 90% placement rate into medical, dental, and law school.
90% of Muhlenberg students return for their second year (compared to the national average of 58%). College Scorecard
Muhlenberg’s 82% graduation rate far exceeds the national average of 58% for four-year colleges. College Scorecard (May 2025)
Muhlenberg College is one of only 209 schools nationwide featured on the Princeton Review’s newly released 2025 Best Value Colleges list.
According to the Princeton Review, colleges achieving this ranking earned the publication’s highest return on investment (ROI) ratings. Scores are based on analysis of more than 40 data points, largely derived from Princeton’s academics, affordability, and career preparation surveys conducted in 2024-2025, and PayScale.com’s college alumni surveys about starting salaries, mid-career salaries, and job satisfaction. The ranking reflects excellent academics and career services at an affordable price.
Muhlenberg has earned a four star rating and placement on Money.com’s 2025 Best Colleges in America list, which showcases top value colleges based on quality of education, affordability, and alumni employment outcomes.
Analysis of U.S. Department of Education data by the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce shows that the value of a Muhlenberg College bachelor’s degree is higher than 80% of degrees earned at any of the nation’s 4,600 public, private, non- or for-profit colleges and universities by 15 years post-graduation. And the ROI of a Muhlenberg degree rises to the top 10% when measured at the 20-, 30-, or 40-year mark.
