California State University-Fresno
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$27,920
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$9,012/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
3.1 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
546%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
One year after graduation, the median salary for California State University-Fresno graduates is $36,356. Five years after graduation, the median salary increases to $44,012, and after ten years, the median salary is $61,244. The median debt for graduates is $14,505. The average in-state tuition is $6,980.
The debt-to-income ratio is calculated by dividing the median debt by the one-year post-graduation salary. For Fresno State, this ratio is approximately 0.4. The break-even point, which is the time it takes for the increased earnings to cover the tuition cost, can be estimated by dividing the tuition cost by the difference between the one-year post-graduation salary and the pre-college earnings.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$6,980
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,505
Median Earnings (5yr)
$44,012
Graduation Rate
56%
Receive Financial Aid
20%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $27,920 | $54,098 | 1268% |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | $27,920 | $46,235 | 705% |
| Psychology, General. | $27,920 | $44,022 | 546% |
| Criminology. | $27,920 | $40,745 | 312% |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | $27,920 | $46,522 | 725% |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | $27,920 | $0 | N/A |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $27,920 | $97,606 | 4385% |
| Biology, General. | $27,920 | $44,294 | 566% |
| Sociology. | $27,920 | $37,825 | 102% |
| Education, General. | $27,920 | $84,099 | 3417% |
| Social Work. | $27,920 | $46,206 | 703% |
| Agricultural Business and Management. | $27,920 | $62,027 | 1836% |
Peer Comparison
546%
20yr ROI
385%
20yr ROI
310%
20yr ROI
373%
20yr ROI
393%
20yr ROI
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.