Auburn 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
$50,144
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$19,629/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
2.6 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
683%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Auburn University's in-state tuition costs $12,536. One year after graduation, alumni earn $50,578. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $54,629, and after ten years, earnings reach $65,337. The median debt for graduates is $21,000, and 27% of students receive financial aid.
The debt-to-income ratio for Auburn graduates is approximately 0.41. This is calculated by dividing the median debt of $21,000 by the one-year earnings of $50,578.
Based on the data, the break-even point, where cumulative earnings surpass the cost of tuition, is less than one year. This is determined by comparing the first-year earnings of $50,578 to the tuition cost of $12,536.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$12,536
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,000
Median Earnings (5yr)
$54,629
Graduation Rate
80%
Receive Financial Aid
27%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $129,079 | 3652% |
| Biology, General | $56,201 | 746% |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $71,821 | 1369% |
| Mechanical Engineering | $83,548 | 1836% |
| Accounting and Related Services | $84,960 | 1893% |
| Marketing | $56,959 | 776% |
| Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences | $0 | N/A |
| Architectural Engineering | $97,640 | 2398% |
| Industrial Engineering | $80,782 | 1726% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $53,493 | 638% |
| Computer Engineering | $89,218 | 2062% |
| Communication and Media Studies | $54,188 | 665% |
Peer Comparison
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.