Appalachian State University ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
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 | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $70,700 | 2267% |
| Psychology, General | $36,627 | 8% |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $43,606 | 471% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $40,033 | 234% |
| Biology, General | $50,786 | 947% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $65,602 | 1929% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $43,616 | 471% |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $45,914 | 624% |
| Marketing | $54,315 | 1181% |
| Design and Applied Arts | $48,073 | 767% |
| Educational Administration and Supervision | $53,249 | 1110% |
| Social Work | $47,270 | 714% |
Peer Comparison
474%
20yr ROI
417%
20yr ROI
332%
20yr ROI
405%
20yr ROI
442%
20yr ROI
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Frequently Asked Questions
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.