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Return on Investment Analysis

California State University-Northridge 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-Northridge costs about $28,380 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $44,372 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 3 years (20-year ROI: 560%).

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 4yr Cost Median Earnings (5yr) Est. 20yr ROI
Psychology, General $28,380 $43,423 494%
Business Administration, Management and Operations $28,380 $101,706 4601%
Sociology $28,380 $46,758 729%
Health and Physical Education/Fitness $28,380 $44,385 561%
Public Health $28,380 $72,302 2529%
Finance and Financial Management Services $28,380 $60,743 1714%
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication $28,380 $40,021 254%
Communication and Media Studies $28,380 $72,374 2534%
Marketing $28,380 $57,487 1485%
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $28,380 $81,184 3155%
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities $28,380 $48,865 877%
Accounting and Related Services $28,380 $79,922 3066%
Criminal Justice and Corrections $28,380 $0 N/A
Fine and Studio Arts $28,380 $36,547 9%
Biology, General $28,380 $57,875 1512%
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies $28,380 $39,004 182%
Public Administration $28,380 $82,592 3254%
Mechanical Engineering $28,380 $87,847 3624%
Health and Medical Administrative Services $28,380 $79,492 3035%
English Language and Literature, General $28,380 $42,574 434%
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services $28,380 $79,688 3049%
Political Science and Government $28,380 $48,763 870%
Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General $28,380 $57,867 1511%
Social Work $28,380 $72,571 2548%

Peer Comparison

California State University-Northridge Current

560%

20yr ROI

University of Hawaii-West Oahu

517%

20yr ROI

Ball State University

337%

20yr ROI

West Texas A & M University

416%

20yr ROI

Georgia Southern University

698%

20yr ROI

Financial Aid Impact

Before Aid

4-Year Tuition$28,380
Median Debt$13,872

After Aid (Estimated)

Estimated Total Aid$0
Net 4-Year Cost$28,380

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on government data, California State University-Northridge has an estimated 20-year ROI of 560%. The total 4-year cost is $28,380 and graduates earn a median of $44,372 within 5 years.

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.

Back to California State University-Northridge Colleges in California Compare Schools ROI Rankings