College of Charleston ROI Analysis
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
above 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 is $12,978. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median of $36,253. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $43,821, and after ten years, 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 a graduate one year after graduation is approximately 0.64. The break-even timeline, which is the time it takes for the cumulative earnings to surpass the tuition cost, is less than one year.
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
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $66,309 | 1106% |
| Communication and Media Studies | $50,262 | 488% |
| Biology, General | $45,718 | 313% |
| Public Health | $45,192 | 293% |
| Psychology, General | $43,319 | 221% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $42,773 | 199% |
| Political Science and Government | $46,124 | 329% |
| Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences | $41,932 | 167% |
| Accounting and Related Services | $83,401 | 1765% |
| Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management | $38,817 | 47% |
| Marketing | $56,514 | 729% |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $82,260 | 1721% |
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.