California State University-Monterey Bay ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$29,748
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$13,648/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
2.2 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
818%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
One year after graduation, the median earnings for California State University-Monterey Bay graduates is $38,154. The average in-state tuition is $7,437. The median debt for graduates is $12,750. Thirty-one and a half percent of students receive financial aid.
Five years after graduation, the median earnings increase to $48,648. Ten years after graduation, the median earnings are $59,247. The school's graduation rate is 62.4%, with a retention rate of 79.1%.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$7,437
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,750
Median Earnings (5yr)
$48,648
Graduation Rate
62%
Receive Financial Aid
32%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $93,126 | 3808% |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $46,794 | 693% |
| Psychology, General | $45,847 | 629% |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $43,211 | 452% |
| Human Services, General | $52,771 | 1095% |
| Biology, General | $37,651 | 78% |
| Social Sciences, General | $44,485 | 538% |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | $51,606 | 1016% |
| Marine Sciences | $38,329 | 124% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $122,142 | 5759% |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication | $44,249 | 522% |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services | $0 | N/A |
Peer Comparison
818%
20yr ROI
647%
20yr ROI
783%
20yr ROI
380%
20yr ROI
858%
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.