Colorado 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
$271,728
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$12,611/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
21.5 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
-7%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Colorado College's high tuition cost of $67,932 contrasts with its graduates' initial earnings. One year after graduation, the median salary is $33,261. However, this increases to $47,611 after five years and $65,222 after ten years. The median debt for graduates is $18,257, and 24.3% of students receive financial aid.
The debt-to-income ratio for graduates can be calculated using the provided data. The median debt of $18,257 compared to the one-year earnings of $33,261 results in a debt-to-income ratio of approximately 0.55. This suggests that graduates' debt is manageable relative to their early career earnings.
Given the tuition cost and earnings data, the break-even timeline can be estimated. The initial difference between tuition and one-year earnings is a deficit. However, with increasing earnings over time, graduates can potentially recover their investment. A more precise break-even calculation would require additional data, such as living expenses and the cost of capital.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$67,932
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,257
Median Earnings (5yr)
$47,611
Graduation Rate
86%
Receive Financial Aid
24%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Economics | $79,354 | 226% |
| Political Science and Government | $0 | N/A |
| Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology | $0 | N/A |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | $0 | N/A |
| Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences | $0 | N/A |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $0 | N/A |
| Psychology, General | $0 | N/A |
| Sociology | $0 | N/A |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $0 | N/A |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $0 | N/A |
| Mathematics | $0 | N/A |
| Neurobiology and Neurosciences | $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.