California State University-Los Angeles ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$27,252
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$10,702/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
2.5 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
685%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
One year after graduation, the median earnings for California State University-Los Angeles graduates are $37,248. The median debt is $13,000. The average in-state tuition is $6,813. The debt-to-income ratio is approximately 0.35.
Five years after graduation, the median earnings increase to $45,702. The ten-year median earnings are $59,211.
Based on the provided data, the break-even point, or the time it takes for a graduate to earn back the cost of tuition, is less than one year.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$6,813
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,000
Median Earnings (5yr)
$45,702
Graduation Rate
52%
Receive Financial Aid
20%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $113,176 | 5637% |
| Sociology | $45,937 | 703% |
| Social Work | $74,287 | 2783% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $42,024 | 415% |
| Psychology, General | $0 | N/A |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $50,806 | 1060% |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $41,254 | 359% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $138,953 | 7529% |
| Communication and Media Studies | $0 | N/A |
| Public Health | $44,886 | 626% |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $62,551 | 1922% |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $39,472 | 228% |
Peer Comparison
685%
20yr ROI
339%
20yr ROI
15%
20yr ROI
991%
20yr ROI
454%
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.