California State University-Sacramento
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$30,408
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$16,074/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
1.9 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
957%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
One year after graduation, Sacramento State graduates earn a median of $42,434. The median debt for graduates is $15,000. In-state tuition costs $7,602 per year.
Five years after graduation, the median earnings increase to $51,074. Ten years after graduation, the median earnings are $64,876. The school's graduation rate is 55.1%, with an 81.1% retention rate.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$7,602
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,000
Median Earnings (5yr)
$51,074
Graduation Rate
55%
Receive Financial Aid
25%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $30,408 | $60,075 | 1549% |
| Communication and Media Studies. | $30,408 | $52,314 | 1039% |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | $30,408 | $56,016 | 1282% |
| Psychology, General. | $30,408 | $49,078 | 826% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | $30,408 | $0 | N/A |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | $30,408 | $52,213 | 1032% |
| Biology, General. | $30,408 | $55,332 | 1237% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $30,408 | $123,869 | 5745% |
| Social Work. | $30,408 | $50,432 | 915% |
| Sociology. | $30,408 | $50,786 | 938% |
| Mechanical Engineering. | $30,408 | $82,495 | 3024% |
| Economics. | $30,408 | $58,522 | 1447% |
Peer Comparison
957%
20yr ROI
984%
20yr ROI
798%
20yr ROI
649%
20yr ROI
593%
20yr ROI
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
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.