Capella University ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$57,744
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$13,500/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
4.3 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
368%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Capella University's in-state tuition is $14,436. The median debt for students is $14,968, and 45.6% of students receive financial aid. One year after graduation, the median earnings are $79,233. Five years after graduation, the median earnings are $48,500, and ten years after graduation, the median earnings are $42,189.
The data indicates a positive return on investment in the first year after graduation, as the median earnings of $79,233 significantly exceed the tuition cost of $14,436 and the median debt of $14,968. However, the median earnings decrease over time. The one-year earnings are more than five times the tuition cost.
The provided data does not include the percentage of students who graduate or the acceptance rate. The retention rate is 22.7%. The data also does not include the debt-to-income ratio or the break-even timeline.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$14,436
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,968
Median Earnings (5yr)
$48,500
Graduation Rate
N/A
Receive Financial Aid
46%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $108,816 | 2457% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $87,452 | 1717% |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology | $84,648 | 1620% |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions | $48,442 | 366% |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $123,079 | 2951% |
| Psychology, General | $68,993 | 1077% |
| Educational Administration and Supervision | $81,321 | 1504% |
| Human Resources Management and Services | $64,578 | 924% |
| Bioethics/Medical Ethics | $0 | N/A |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management | $137,264 | 3442% |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services | $48,915 | 382% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $89,472 | 1787% |
Peer Comparison
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.