Buena Vista University
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$160,760
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$8,572/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
18.8 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
7%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Buena Vista University's in-state tuition is $40,190. One year after graduation, the median earnings are $41,622, increasing to $43,572 after five years, and $49,156 after ten years. The median debt for graduates is $25,000.
The debt-to-income ratio, calculated by dividing the median debt by the one-year earnings, is 0.60. This indicates that the median debt is 60% of the first-year earnings.
Based on the provided data, the break-even point, or the time it takes for earnings to surpass the tuition cost, is approximately 1 year.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$40,190
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
Median Earnings (5yr)
$43,572
Graduation Rate
52%
Receive Financial Aid
69%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | $160,760 | $37,512 | -69% |
| Psychology, General. | $160,760 | $34,524 | N/A |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | $160,760 | $39,878 | -39% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $160,760 | $47,951 | 61% |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | $160,760 | $53,060 | 125% |
| Accounting and Related Services. | $160,760 | $53,364 | 128% |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | $160,760 | $65,642 | 281% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $160,760 | $0 | N/A |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | $160,760 | $46,871 | 48% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | $160,760 | $47,754 | 59% |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | $160,760 | $51,571 | 106% |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | $160,760 | $40,460 | -32% |
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.