Centre College
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$202,200
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$15,073/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
13.4 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
49%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Centre College's high tuition cost of $50,550 is offset by relatively strong earnings potential for graduates. One year after graduation, the median salary is $35,290. However, five years after graduation, earnings increase to $50,073, and after ten years, graduates earn $66,240. The median debt for graduates is $27,000, and 44.7% of students receive financial aid.
The debt-to-income ratio for Centre College graduates is favorable. With a median debt of $27,000 and a starting salary of $35,290, graduates likely have a manageable debt burden. The earnings trajectory suggests a positive return on investment, with salaries increasing significantly over time.
Given the tuition cost and earnings data, the break-even timeline, or the time it takes for earnings to surpass the initial investment, is difficult to calculate precisely without additional data. However, the increasing earnings trend indicates that graduates are likely to see a positive return on their investment in the long term.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$50,550
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
Median Earnings (5yr)
$50,073
Graduation Rate
86%
Receive Financial Aid
45%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economics. | $202,200 | $67,177 | 218% |
| Research and Experimental Psychology. | $202,200 | $0 | N/A |
| International/Global Studies. | $202,200 | $0 | N/A |
| Biology, General. | $202,200 | $0 | N/A |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | $202,200 | $65,445 | 201% |
| Political Science and Government. | $202,200 | $65,598 | 203% |
| Psychology, General. | $202,200 | $0 | N/A |
| Mathematics. | $202,200 | $0 | N/A |
| Sociology and Anthropology. | $202,200 | $54,158 | 89% |
| English Language and Literature, General. | $202,200 | $38,211 | -68% |
| History. | $202,200 | $51,858 | 67% |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | $202,200 | $0 | N/A |
Peer Comparison
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.