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Return on Investment Analysis

Auburn 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 Auburn University costs about $50,144 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $54,629 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 2.6 years (20-year ROI: 683%).

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 4yr Cost Median Earnings (5yr) Est. 20yr ROI
Business Administration, Management and Operations $50,144 $129,079 3652%
Biology, General $50,144 $56,201 746%
Finance and Financial Management Services $50,144 $71,821 1369%
Mechanical Engineering $50,144 $83,548 1836%
Accounting and Related Services $50,144 $84,960 1893%
Marketing $50,144 $56,959 776%
Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences $50,144 $0 N/A
Architectural Engineering $50,144 $97,640 2398%
Industrial Engineering $50,144 $80,782 1726%
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $50,144 $53,493 638%
Computer Engineering $50,144 $89,218 2062%
Communication and Media Studies $50,144 $54,188 665%
Psychology, General $50,144 $72,858 1410%
Civil Engineering $50,144 $73,594 1439%
Chemical Engineering $50,144 $93,708 2242%
Design and Applied Arts $50,144 $48,527 440%
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing $50,144 $103,974 2651%
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas $50,144 $76,659 1562%
Veterinary Medicine $50,144 $104,446 2670%
Special Education and Teaching $50,144 $47,688 406%
Animal Sciences $50,144 $42,689 207%
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods $50,144 $0 N/A
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $50,144 $83,801 1846%
Plant Sciences $50,144 $48,747 448%

Peer Comparison

Auburn University Current

683%

20yr ROI

University of North Dakota

794%

20yr ROI

New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology

978%

20yr ROI

California State Polytechnic University-Pomona

1208%

20yr ROI

University of Wisconsin-Platteville

1092%

20yr ROI

Financial Aid Impact

Before Aid

4-Year Tuition$50,144
Median Debt$21,000

After Aid (Estimated)

Estimated Total Aid$0
Net 4-Year Cost$50,144

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on government data, Auburn University has an estimated 20-year ROI of 683%. The total 4-year cost is $50,144 and graduates earn a median of $54,629 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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