Auburn University
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
vs 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 per year. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median of $50,578. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $54,629, and ten years after graduation, 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, calculated by dividing the median debt of $21,000 by the one-year post-graduation earnings of $50,578. The break-even point, or the time it takes for earnings to surpass the cost of tuition, is less than one year.
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
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $50,144 | $66,560 | 1159% |
| Biology, General. | $50,144 | $56,201 | 746% |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | $50,144 | $71,821 | 1369% |
| Marketing. | $50,144 | $56,959 | 776% |
| Mechanical Engineering. | $50,144 | $83,548 | 1836% |
| Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences. | $50,144 | $0 | N/A |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $50,144 | $129,079 | 3652% |
| Accounting and Related Services. | $50,144 | $68,374 | 1231% |
| Communication and Media Studies. | $50,144 | $54,188 | 665% |
| Psychology, General. | $50,144 | $42,855 | 213% |
| Architectural Engineering. | $50,144 | $87,633 | 1999% |
| Chemical Engineering. | $50,144 | $93,708 | 2242% |
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.