College of Charleston
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$51,912
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$8,821/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
5.9 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
240%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
The College of Charleston's in-state tuition costs $12,978. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median of $36,253. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $43,821, and ten years after graduation, earnings reach $56,416. The median debt for graduates is $23,250, and 38.1% of students receive financial aid.
Based on the provided data, the debt-to-income ratio for graduates one year out is roughly 64% (debt divided by one-year earnings). The five-year earnings are approximately double the median debt.
To calculate the break-even point, we can determine how long it takes for the additional earnings from a degree to cover the cost of tuition. The difference between the one-year earnings and the tuition cost is $23,275. The difference between the five-year earnings and the tuition cost is $30,843.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$12,978
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,250
Median Earnings (5yr)
$43,821
Graduation Rate
65%
Receive Financial Aid
38%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $51,912 | $53,793 | 624% |
| Communication and Media Studies. | $51,912 | $50,262 | 488% |
| Biology, General. | $51,912 | $45,718 | 313% |
| Public Health. | $51,912 | $45,192 | 293% |
| Psychology, General. | $51,912 | $43,319 | 221% |
| Political Science and Government. | $51,912 | $46,124 | 329% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | $51,912 | $39,792 | 85% |
| Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences. | $51,912 | $41,932 | 167% |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | $51,912 | $82,260 | 1721% |
| Marketing. | $51,912 | $56,514 | 729% |
| Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management. | $51,912 | $38,817 | 47% |
| English Language and Literature, General. | $51,912 | $32,560 | 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.