California State University-San Marcos ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$30,956
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$13,673/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
2.3 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
783%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
The average in-state tuition at California State University-San Marcos is $7739. One year after graduation, alumni earn an average of $42878. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $48673, and ten years after graduation, earnings reach $62908. The median debt for graduates is $17350, and 29.6% of students receive financial aid.
The data does not provide enough information to calculate a debt-to-income ratio or a break-even timeline.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$7,739
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,350
Median Earnings (5yr)
$48,673
Graduation Rate
55%
Receive Financial Aid
30%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $88,868 | 3380% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $114,276 | 5022% |
| Psychology, General | $44,140 | 491% |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services | $38,622 | 134% |
| Criminology | $49,760 | 854% |
| Communication and Media Studies | $47,169 | 686% |
| Sociology | $44,408 | 508% |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $44,533 | 516% |
| Biology, General | $57,860 | 1377% |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $43,664 | 460% |
| English Language and Literature, General | $47,151 | 685% |
| Visual and Performing Arts, General | $32,802 | N/A |
Peer Comparison
783%
20yr ROI
818%
20yr ROI
647%
20yr ROI
380%
20yr ROI
696%
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.