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Return on Investment Analysis

Bowdoin College ROI Analysis

Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.

ROI Summary

Total 4-Year Cost

$259,640

In-state tuition x 4

Earnings Premium

$26,692/yr

above high school diploma avg

Break-Even Point

9.7 years

After graduation

20-Year ROI

106%

Return on investment

ROI Analysis

Bowdoin College's in-state tuition is $64,910. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median of $50,632. Five years after graduation, the median earnings increase to $61,692, and after ten years, the median earnings are $82,735. The median debt for students is $18,500.

The school has a high retention rate of 97.6% and a graduation rate of 94.8%. The acceptance rate is 8%. Only 10.2% of students receive financial aid.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

The Numbers

Annual Tuition (In-State)

$64,910

Median Debt at Graduation

$18,500

Median Earnings (5yr)

$61,692

Graduation Rate

95%

Receive Financial Aid

10%

Avg Aid Amount

N/A

Program-Level ROI

Program 4yr Cost Median Earnings (5yr) Est. 20yr ROI
Political Science and Government $259,640 $69,008 162%
Economics $259,640 $88,368 311%
Area Studies $259,640 $0 N/A
Mathematics $259,640 $0 N/A
Natural Resources Conservation and Research $259,640 $38,638 -72%
Neurobiology and Neurosciences $259,640 $0 N/A
History $259,640 $0 N/A
English Language and Literature, General $259,640 $0 N/A
Education, General $259,640 $0 N/A
Biology, General $259,640 $0 N/A
Sociology $259,640 $0 N/A
Research and Experimental Psychology $259,640 $0 N/A

Peer Comparison

106%

20yr ROI

190%

20yr ROI

121%

20yr ROI

Financial Aid Impact

Before Aid

4-Year Tuition$259,640
Median Debt$18,500

After Aid (Estimated)

Estimated Total Aid$0
Net 4-Year Cost$259,640

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on government data, Bowdoin College has an estimated 20-year ROI of 106%. The total 4-year cost is $259,640 and graduates earn a median of $61,692 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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