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Return on Investment Analysis

Ball 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 Ball State University costs about $43,032 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $44,394 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 4.6 years (20-year ROI: 337%).

ROI Summary

Total 4-Year Cost

$43,032

In-state tuition x 4

Earnings Premium

$9,394/yr

above high school diploma avg

Break-Even Point

4.6 years

After graduation

20-Year ROI

337%

Return on investment

ROI Analysis

The annual in-state tuition at Ball State University is $10,758. One year after graduation, the median earnings are $42,646. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $44,394, and ten years after, they reach $51,833. The median debt for graduates is $23,250, and 72.8% of students receive financial aid.

The debt-to-income ratio, calculated by dividing the median debt by the first-year earnings, is approximately 0.54. This suggests that the median debt is about half of the first year's earnings.

To calculate the break-even point, we can estimate the time it takes for the additional earnings after graduation to cover the tuition cost. The difference between the first-year earnings and the tuition cost is roughly $31,888. Dividing the median debt of $23,250 by this difference, the break-even point is approximately 0.73 years.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

The Numbers

Annual Tuition (In-State)

$10,758

Median Debt at Graduation

$23,250

Median Earnings (5yr)

$44,394

Graduation Rate

64%

Receive Financial Aid

73%

Avg Aid Amount

N/A

Program-Level ROI

Program 4yr Cost Median Earnings (5yr) Est. 20yr ROI
Special Education and Teaching $43,032 $62,055 1157%
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $43,032 $52,492 713%
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities $43,032 $47,971 503%
Business/Commerce, General $43,032 $100,485 2944%
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication $43,032 $40,496 155%
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing $43,032 $100,064 2924%
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas $43,032 $53,971 782%
Health and Physical Education/Fitness $43,032 $47,355 474%
Biology, General $43,032 $46,391 429%
Educational Administration and Supervision $43,032 $71,602 1601%
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology $43,032 $46,783 448%
Marketing $43,032 $55,837 868%
Psychology, General $43,032 $40,584 160%
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services $43,032 $52,934 734%
Criminal Justice and Corrections $43,032 $47,500 481%
Fine and Studio Arts $43,032 $37,579 20%
Accounting and Related Services $43,032 $76,247 1817%
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication $43,032 $51,378 661%
Finance and Financial Management Services $43,032 $62,243 1166%
English Language and Literature, General $43,032 $31,586 N/A
Journalism $43,032 $61,578 1135%
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft $43,032 $26,777 N/A
Social Work $43,032 $42,239 236%
Architecture $43,032 $66,460 1362%

Peer Comparison

Ball State University Current

337%

20yr ROI

West Texas A & M University

416%

20yr ROI

California State University-Northridge

560%

20yr ROI

Georgia Southern University

698%

20yr ROI

Fort Hays State University

737%

20yr ROI

Financial Aid Impact

Before Aid

4-Year Tuition$43,032
Median Debt$23,250

After Aid (Estimated)

Estimated Total Aid$0
Net 4-Year Cost$43,032

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on government data, Ball State University has an estimated 20-year ROI of 337%. The total 4-year cost is $43,032 and graduates earn a median of $44,394 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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