Carnegie Mellon University 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 Carnegie Mellon University costs about $255,316 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $105,360 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 3.6 years (20-year ROI: 451%).
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$255,316
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$70,360/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
3.6 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
451%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Carnegie Mellon University's high tuition cost of $63,829 is offset by strong early career earnings. One year after graduation, the median salary is $88,268, exceeding the tuition cost. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $105,360, and after ten years, graduates earn a median of $114,862.
The median debt for graduates is $21,750, with 35.5% of students receiving financial aid. The debt-to-income ratio is favorable, given the high starting salaries. A graduate's first year's salary is more than four times the median debt.
Given the high earnings, the break-even point for the initial tuition investment is relatively short. The one-year earnings are more than the tuition cost. The high retention and graduation rates indicate a strong academic environment.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$63,829
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,750
Median Earnings (5yr)
$105,360
Graduation Rate
92%
Receive Financial Aid
36%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $149,495 | 797% |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering | $149,740 | 799% |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | $0 | N/A |
| Mechanical Engineering | $97,151 | 387% |
| Statistics | $142,883 | 745% |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management | $135,289 | 686% |
| Public Policy Analysis | $97,862 | 392% |
| Systems Science and Theory | $118,034 | 550% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $164,350 | 913% |
| Biomedical/Medical Engineering | $82,463 | 272% |
| Music | $29,103 | N/A |
| Computer Software and Media Applications | $0 | N/A |
| Design and Applied Arts | $126,932 | 620% |
| Architectural Sciences and Technology | $0 | N/A |
| Economics | $94,093 | 363% |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $46,174 | -12% |
| Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management | $64,857 | 134% |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $100,853 | 416% |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies | $76,444 | 225% |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $0 | N/A |
| Public Administration | $76,739 | 227% |
Peer Comparison
451%
20yr ROI
447%
20yr ROI
443%
20yr ROI
447%
20yr ROI
0%
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.