Amherst College
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$269,120
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$27,537/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
9.8 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
105%
Return on investment
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$67,280
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,740
Median Earnings (5yr)
$62,537
Graduation Rate
93%
Receive Financial Aid
9%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
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.