California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$44,300
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$37,358/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
1.2 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
1587%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
One year after graduation, the median earnings for California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduates is $62,831. The median debt for graduates is $18,500. The ratio of debt to income is 0.29.
Five years after graduation, the median earnings increase to $72,358. Ten years after graduation, the median earnings increase to $90,768. The in-state tuition cost is $11,075.
Based on the provided data, the break-even point, or the time it takes for a graduate to earn the equivalent of their tuition cost, is less than one year.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$11,075
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,500
Median Earnings (5yr)
$72,358
Graduation Rate
85%
Receive Financial Aid
24%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $85,332 | 2172% |
| Mechanical Engineering | $97,466 | 2720% |
| Biology, General | $63,237 | 1175% |
| Civil Engineering | $96,348 | 2670% |
| Animal Sciences | $52,909 | 709% |
| Agricultural Business and Management | $78,364 | 1858% |
| Computer Engineering | $122,307 | 3842% |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering | $136,031 | 4461% |
| Psychology, General | $75,570 | 1732% |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering | $101,270 | 2892% |
| Biomedical/Medical Engineering | $97,977 | 2743% |
| Architectural Sciences and Technology | $0 | N/A |
Peer Comparison
1587%
20yr ROI
790%
20yr ROI
260%
20yr ROI
1025%
20yr ROI
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Frequently Asked Questions
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.