Adams State University
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$39,104
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$3,338/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
11.7 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
71%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
One year after graduation, Adams State University alumni earn a median of $40,358, which is more than four times the annual in-state tuition of $9,776. Five years after graduation, earnings decrease slightly to $38,338, but increase to $44,372 after ten years. The median debt for graduates is $19,500, and 33.4% of students receive financial aid.
The debt-to-income ratio for Adams State University graduates is approximately 0.48, based on the median debt and one-year earnings. This ratio is calculated by dividing the median debt of $19,500 by the one-year earnings of $40,358.
Based on the provided data, the break-even timeline, which is the time it takes for a graduate's earnings to surpass their total tuition cost, is less than one year. This is because the one-year earnings of $40,358 are significantly higher than the in-state tuition of $9,776.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$9,776
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,500
Median Earnings (5yr)
$38,338
Graduation Rate
30%
Receive Financial Aid
33%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | $39,104 | $0 | N/A |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | $39,104 | $51,714 | 755% |
| Business/Commerce, General. | $39,104 | $47,305 | 529% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | $39,104 | $52,594 | 800% |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | $39,104 | $39,802 | 146% |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | $39,104 | $34,394 | N/A |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $39,104 | $0 | N/A |
| Sociology. | $39,104 | $0 | N/A |
| Psychology, General. | $39,104 | $0 | N/A |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | $39,104 | $0 | N/A |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | $39,104 | $0 | N/A |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $39,104 | $65,617 | 1466% |
Peer Comparison
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.