Brown University
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$272,920
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$44,131/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
6.2 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
223%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Brown University's in-state tuition is $68,230. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median of $59,042. Five years after graduation, alumni earn a median of $79,131, and ten years after graduation, alumni earn a median of $93,487. The median debt for students is $11,428.
The data does not provide enough information to calculate a precise break-even timeline. However, the median debt is relatively low compared to the annual earnings one year after graduation. The annual earnings are also higher than the tuition cost.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$68,230
Median Debt at Graduation
$11,428
Median Earnings (5yr)
$79,131
Graduation Rate
96%
Receive Financial Aid
9%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economics. | $272,920 | $94,824 | 338% |
| Applied Mathematics. | $272,920 | $125,979 | 567% |
| Medicine. | $272,920 | $97,879 | 361% |
| Biology, General. | $272,920 | $43,674 | -36% |
| History. | $272,920 | $62,308 | 100% |
| International Relations and National Security Studies. | $272,920 | $82,229 | 246% |
| Political Science and Government. | $272,920 | $72,438 | 174% |
| Area Studies. | $272,920 | $48,838 | 1% |
| English Language and Literature, General. | $272,920 | $46,388 | -17% |
| Public Health. | $272,920 | $79,624 | 227% |
| Research and Experimental Psychology. | $272,920 | $0 | N/A |
| Engineering, General. | $272,920 | $87,937 | 288% |
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.