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Return on Investment Analysis

Appalachian State University ROI Analysis

Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.

Quick answer

USACollegeData.com ROI analysis (College Scorecard data): four years at Appalachian State University costs about $30,164 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $43,663 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 3.5 years (20-year ROI: 474%).

ROI Summary

Total 4-Year Cost

$30,164

In-state tuition x 4

Earnings Premium

$8,663/yr

above high school diploma avg

Break-Even Point

3.5 years

After graduation

20-Year ROI

474%

Return on investment

ROI Analysis

Appalachian State University's in-state tuition is $7,541. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median of $37,893. Five years after graduation, the median earnings increase to $43,663, and after ten years, the median earnings are $51,836. The median debt for graduates is $20,231, and 37.6% of students receive financial aid.

The debt-to-income ratio for Appalachian State graduates is approximately 0.53, based on the median debt and one-year earnings. The break-even point, or the time it takes for graduates to earn enough to cover their tuition cost, is less than one year, based on the median one-year earnings.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

The Numbers

Annual Tuition (In-State)

$7,541

Median Debt at Graduation

$20,231

Median Earnings (5yr)

$43,663

Graduation Rate

74%

Receive Financial Aid

38%

Avg Aid Amount

N/A

Program-Level ROI

Program 4yr Cost Median Earnings (5yr) Est. 20yr ROI
Business Administration, Management and Operations $30,164 $70,700 2267%
Psychology, General $30,164 $36,627 8%
Health and Physical Education/Fitness $30,164 $43,606 471%
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $30,164 $40,033 234%
Biology, General $30,164 $50,786 947%
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing $30,164 $65,602 1929%
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas $30,164 $43,616 471%
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication $30,164 $45,914 624%
Marketing $30,164 $54,315 1181%
Design and Applied Arts $30,164 $48,073 767%
Educational Administration and Supervision $30,164 $53,249 1110%
Social Work $30,164 $47,270 714%
Finance and Financial Management Services $30,164 $69,084 2160%
Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management $30,164 $33,949 N/A
Political Science and Government $30,164 $39,883 224%
Criminal Justice and Corrections $30,164 $44,739 546%
Accounting and Related Services $30,164 $73,703 2466%
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services $30,164 $56,268 1310%
Natural Resources Conservation and Research $30,164 $36,423 -6%
Special Education and Teaching $30,164 $42,295 384%
Construction Management $30,164 $69,955 2218%
English Language and Literature, General $30,164 $30,183 N/A
Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services $30,164 $53,741 1143%
Communication and Media Studies $30,164 $40,125 240%

Peer Comparison

Appalachian State University Current

474%

20yr ROI

SUNY Old Westbury

417%

20yr ROI

Frostburg State University

332%

20yr ROI

Shepherd University

405%

20yr ROI

Mayville State University

442%

20yr ROI

Financial Aid Impact

Before Aid

4-Year Tuition$30,164
Median Debt$20,231

After Aid (Estimated)

Estimated Total Aid$0
Net 4-Year Cost$30,164

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on government data, Appalachian State University has an estimated 20-year ROI of 474%. The total 4-year cost is $30,164 and graduates earn a median of $43,663 within 5 years.

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.

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