Carleton College 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 Carleton College costs about $261,828 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $53,989 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 13.8 years (20-year ROI: 45%).
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$261,828
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$18,989/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
13.8 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
45%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
One year after graduation, Carleton College graduates earn a median of $36,775. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $53,989, and ten years after graduation, earnings reach $75,525. The median debt for graduates is $16,750. The cost of tuition is $65,457.
The debt-to-income ratio for Carleton College graduates is not calculable with the provided data. However, the data does show that 43.4% of students receive financial aid.
The break-even timeline, or the time it takes for a graduate's increased earnings to offset the cost of tuition, is not calculable with the provided data.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$65,457
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,750
Median Earnings (5yr)
$53,989
Graduation Rate
91%
Receive Financial Aid
43%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Biology, General | $40,859 | -55% |
| Economics | $83,775 | 273% |
| Research and Experimental Psychology | $0 | N/A |
| English Language and Literature, General | $0 | N/A |
| Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences | $0 | N/A |
| Political Science and Government | $0 | N/A |
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.