Belmont University
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$165,280
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$7,770/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
21.3 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
-6%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Belmont University's high acceptance rate of 96.4% and a retention rate of 83.7% suggest a relatively accessible environment for students. The annual tuition cost is $41,320. One year after graduation, the median earnings are $37,296, which is less than the annual tuition. Five years after graduation, the median earnings increase to $42,770, and ten years after graduation, the median earnings reach $55,930.
The median debt for students is $20,500. With a one-year post-graduation income of $37,296, the debt-to-income ratio is approximately 0.55. Using the five-year post-graduation income of $42,770, the debt-to-income ratio is approximately 0.48.
Given the tuition cost and earnings data, it would take more than one year but less than five years for a graduate to earn the equivalent of one year's tuition.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$41,320
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,500
Median Earnings (5yr)
$42,770
Graduation Rate
72%
Receive Financial Aid
35%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management. | $165,280 | $43,117 | -2% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $165,280 | $63,118 | 240% |
| Music. | $165,280 | $23,880 | N/A |
| Law. | $165,280 | $0 | N/A |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | $165,280 | $0 | N/A |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | $165,280 | $0 | N/A |
| Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians. | $165,280 | $32,060 | N/A |
| Business/Commerce, General. | $165,280 | $103,288 | 726% |
| Design and Applied Arts. | $165,280 | $41,993 | -15% |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | $165,280 | $47,428 | 50% |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts. | $165,280 | $0 | N/A |
| Psychology, General. | $165,280 | $48,528 | 64% |
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.