Carnegie Mellon University
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$255,316
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$70,360/yr
vs 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 of $63,829 is offset by strong early career earnings. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median of $88,268, exceeding the tuition cost. Within five years, earnings increase to $105,360, and after ten years, median earnings reach $114,862.
The median debt for Carnegie Mellon graduates is $21,750. With a high one-year salary, the debt-to-income ratio is favorable. The university's high graduation rate of 92% and retention rate of 97% indicate a strong likelihood of students completing their degrees.
Given the substantial earnings and relatively low debt, the break-even point, or the time it takes to recoup the initial investment in tuition, is likely to be short. The high earnings potential suggests a strong return on investment for Carnegie Mellon graduates.
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
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | $255,316 | $149,495 | 797% |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | $255,316 | $145,494 | 766% |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | $255,316 | $0 | N/A |
| Statistics. | $255,316 | $142,883 | 745% |
| Mechanical Engineering. | $255,316 | $96,604 | 383% |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | $255,316 | $135,289 | 686% |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | $255,316 | $149,740 | 799% |
| Mechanical Engineering. | $255,316 | $97,151 | 387% |
| Systems Science and Theory. | $255,316 | $118,034 | 550% |
| Computer Engineering. | $255,316 | $0 | N/A |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $255,316 | $123,200 | 591% |
| Public Policy Analysis. | $255,316 | $97,862 | 392% |
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)
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.