California State University-Northridge ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$28,380
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$9,372/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
3 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
560%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
One year after graduation, the median earnings for California State University-Northridge alumni are $36,905. The average in-state tuition cost is $7,095. The median debt for graduates is $13,872. 22.6% of students receive financial aid.
Five years after graduation, median earnings rise to $44,372. Ten years after graduation, median earnings are $59,115. The school's graduation rate is 56.1%. The retention rate is 74.4%.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$7,095
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,872
Median Earnings (5yr)
$44,372
Graduation Rate
56%
Receive Financial Aid
23%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General | $43,423 | 494% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $101,706 | 4601% |
| Sociology | $46,758 | 729% |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $44,385 | 561% |
| Public Health | $72,302 | 2529% |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $60,743 | 1714% |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication | $40,021 | 254% |
| Communication and Media Studies | $72,374 | 2534% |
| Marketing | $57,487 | 1485% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $81,184 | 3155% |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $48,865 | 877% |
| Accounting and Related Services | $79,922 | 3066% |
Peer Comparison
560%
20yr ROI
517%
20yr ROI
337%
20yr ROI
416%
20yr ROI
698%
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.