Bowdoin College
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
vs 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
$0
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 |
| Neurobiology and Neurosciences. | $259,640 | $0 | N/A |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | $259,640 | $38,638 | -72% |
| History. | $259,640 | $0 | N/A |
| Education, General. | $259,640 | $0 | N/A |
| English Language and Literature, 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
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.