Claremont McKenna College ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$256,600
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$52,603/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
4.9 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
310%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Claremont McKenna College's high tuition of $64,150 is offset by strong earnings potential. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median of $68,541, exceeding the tuition cost. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $87,603, and by ten years, median earnings reach $104,736. The median debt of $13,500 is relatively low compared to the high earnings.
The debt-to-income ratio is favorable for Claremont McKenna graduates. With a median debt of $13,500 and a starting salary of $68,541, the debt represents a small fraction of annual earnings. This suggests graduates can likely manage their debt obligations effectively.
Given the high starting salaries and relatively low debt, the break-even point for tuition investment is rapid. Graduates likely recoup their tuition investment within the first year of employment, considering their earnings exceed the annual tuition cost.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$64,150
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,500
Median Earnings (5yr)
$87,603
Graduation Rate
93%
Receive Financial Aid
19%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Economics | $115,832 | 530% |
| Political Science and Government | $0 | N/A |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $0 | N/A |
| Research and Experimental Psychology | $0 | N/A |
| International Relations and National Security Studies | $0 | N/A |
| Neurobiology and Neurosciences | $0 | N/A |
| Biology, General | $0 | N/A |
| Mathematics | $0 | N/A |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $0 | N/A |
| Engineering, Other | $0 | N/A |
| Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology | $0 | N/A |
| Communication and Media Studies | $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.