California State University-Fresno 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-Fresno costs about $27,920 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $44,012 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 3.1 years (20-year ROI: 546%).
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$27,920
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$9,012/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
3.1 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
546%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
The average in-state tuition at California State University-Fresno is $6,980. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median income of $36,356. Five years after graduation, the median income increases to $44,012, and after ten years, the median income is $61,244. The median debt for graduates is $14,505, and 19.8% of students receive financial aid.
The debt-to-income ratio for graduates is approximately 0.4. To calculate this, the median debt of $14,505 is divided by the one-year earnings of $36,356.
Based on the provided data, the break-even point, or the time it takes for graduates to earn back their tuition costs, is less than one year. This is calculated by dividing the tuition cost of $6,980 by the one-year earnings of $36,356.
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
N/A
Program-Level ROI
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)
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.