Skip to main content
Return on Investment Analysis

California State University-Channel Islands 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 State University-Channel Islands costs about $27,268 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $46,785 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 2.3 years (20-year ROI: 764%).

ROI Summary

Total 4-Year Cost

$27,268

In-state tuition x 4

Earnings Premium

$11,785/yr

above high school diploma avg

Break-Even Point

2.3 years

After graduation

20-Year ROI

764%

Return on investment

ROI Analysis

The annual in-state tuition at California State University-Channel Islands is $6,817. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median salary of $37,645. Five years after graduation, the median salary increases to $46,785, and after ten years, the median salary is $62,152. The median debt for students is $15,000, and 26% of students receive financial aid.

Based on the provided data, the debt-to-income ratio for a graduate one year after graduation is approximately 0.4. The data does not provide enough information to calculate a precise break-even timeline.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

The Numbers

Annual Tuition (In-State)

$6,817

Median Debt at Graduation

$15,000

Median Earnings (5yr)

$46,785

Graduation Rate

55%

Receive Financial Aid

26%

Avg Aid Amount

N/A

Program-Level ROI

Program 4yr Cost Median Earnings (5yr) Est. 20yr ROI
Business Administration, Management and Operations $27,268 $105,830 5095%
Psychology, General $27,268 $43,425 518%
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General $27,268 $0 N/A
Biology, General $27,268 $54,178 1307%
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities $27,268 $46,560 748%
Sociology $27,268 $49,741 981%
Communication and Media Studies $27,268 $46,444 739%
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing $27,268 $96,313 4397%
Fine and Studio Arts $27,268 $41,415 371%
Natural Resources Conservation and Research $27,268 $0 N/A
English Language and Literature, General $27,268 $38,229 137%
Education, Other $27,268 $39,111 202%
History $27,268 $47,393 809%
Political Science and Government $27,268 $50,837 1062%
Chemistry $27,268 $0 N/A
Mathematics $27,268 $0 N/A
Biotechnology $27,268 $108,069 5259%
Anthropology $27,268 $0 N/A
Computer and Information Sciences, General $27,268 $73,565 2729%
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics $27,268 $0 N/A
Economics $27,268 $66,480 2209%
Natural Resources Management and Policy $27,268 $51,811 1133%
Educational Administration and Supervision $27,268 $0 N/A

Peer Comparison

California State University-Channel Islands Current

764%

20yr ROI

Northcentral University

0%

20yr ROI

Utah Valley University

843%

20yr ROI

California State University-Dominguez Hills

737%

20yr ROI

Old Dominion University

378%

20yr ROI

Financial Aid Impact

Before Aid

4-Year Tuition$27,268
Median Debt$15,000

After Aid (Estimated)

Estimated Total Aid$0
Net 4-Year Cost$27,268

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on government data, California State University-Channel Islands has an estimated 20-year ROI of 764%. The total 4-year cost is $27,268 and graduates earn a median of $46,785 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.

Back to California State University-Channel Islands Colleges in California Compare Schools ROI Rankings