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Return on Investment Analysis

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.

Quick answer

USACollegeData.com ROI analysis (College Scorecard data): four years at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo costs about $44,300 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $72,358 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 1.2 years (20-year ROI: 1587%).

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 4yr Cost Median Earnings (5yr) Est. 20yr ROI
Business Administration, Management and Operations $44,300 $85,332 2172%
Mechanical Engineering $44,300 $97,466 2720%
Biology, General $44,300 $63,237 1175%
Civil Engineering $44,300 $96,348 2670%
Animal Sciences $44,300 $52,909 709%
Agricultural Business and Management $44,300 $78,364 1858%
Computer Engineering $44,300 $122,307 3842%
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $44,300 $136,031 4461%
Psychology, General $44,300 $75,570 1732%
Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering $44,300 $101,270 2892%
Biomedical/Medical Engineering $44,300 $97,977 2743%
Architectural Sciences and Technology $44,300 $0 N/A
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities $44,300 $55,078 806%
Industrial Engineering $44,300 $103,886 3010%
Health and Physical Education/Fitness $44,300 $0 N/A
Food Science and Technology $44,300 $73,350 1631%
Construction Management $44,300 $0 N/A
Graphic Communications $44,300 $67,063 1348%
Natural Resources Management and Policy $44,300 $59,696 1015%
Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies $44,300 $0 N/A
Journalism $44,300 $54,626 786%
Political Science and Government $44,300 $71,231 1536%
Sociology $44,300 $67,872 1384%
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $44,300 $41,707 203%

Peer Comparison

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo Current

1587%

20yr ROI

University of Virginia-Main Campus

790%

20yr ROI

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

0%

20yr ROI

Dominican University of California

260%

20yr ROI

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

1025%

20yr ROI

Financial Aid Impact

Before Aid

4-Year Tuition$44,300
Median Debt$18,500

After Aid (Estimated)

Estimated Total Aid$0
Net 4-Year Cost$44,300

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on government data, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo has an estimated 20-year ROI of 1587%. The total 4-year cost is $44,300 and graduates earn a median of $72,358 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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