Bethany Lutheran College
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$120,040
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$5,652/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
21.2 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
-6%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Bethany Lutheran College's in-state tuition is $30,010. One year after graduation, the median earnings are $37,463. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $40,652, and ten years after graduation, earnings are $46,110. The median debt for students is $23,000, and 41.5% of students receive financial aid.
The debt-to-income ratio, comparing the median debt to the one-year post-graduation earnings, is approximately 0.61. This is calculated by dividing the debt of $23,000 by the earnings of $37,463.
To calculate the break-even point, we can subtract the tuition cost from the one-year earnings, resulting in a positive difference of $7,453. This suggests that graduates begin earning more than the cost of tuition within the first year after graduation.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$30,010
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,000
Median Earnings (5yr)
$40,652
Graduation Rate
58%
Receive Financial Aid
42%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $120,040 | $47,788 | 113% |
| Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences. | $120,040 | $0 | N/A |
| Communication and Media Studies. | $120,040 | $0 | N/A |
| Biology, General. | $120,040 | $0 | N/A |
| Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate). | $120,040 | $0 | N/A |
| Legal Support Services. | $120,040 | $0 | N/A |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | $120,040 | $0 | N/A |
| English Language and Literature, General. | $120,040 | $0 | N/A |
| Psychology, General. | $120,040 | $0 | N/A |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. | $120,040 | $0 | N/A |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication. | $120,040 | $0 | N/A |
| Engineering Science. | $120,040 | $0 | N/A |
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.