Colorado Mesa University
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$38,848
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$4,223/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
9.2 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
117%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Colorado Mesa University's in-state tuition costs $9,712. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median of $42,536. Five years after graduation, earnings decrease to $39,223, but increase to $45,823 ten years after graduation. The median debt for graduates is $22,000, and 33.2% of students receive financial aid.
Based on the provided data, the debt-to-income ratio is approximately 52% one year after graduation, calculated by dividing the median debt by the one-year earnings. The break-even timeline, which is the time it takes for earnings to surpass the cost of tuition, is less than one year.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$9,712
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,000
Median Earnings (5yr)
$39,223
Graduation Rate
40%
Receive Financial Aid
33%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | $38,848 | $31,509 | N/A |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $38,848 | $69,568 | 1680% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $38,848 | $61,496 | 1264% |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | $38,848 | $41,768 | 248% |
| Biology, General. | $38,848 | $39,118 | 112% |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | $38,848 | $47,835 | 561% |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | $38,848 | $0 | N/A |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | $38,848 | $0 | N/A |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | $38,848 | $0 | N/A |
| Psychology, General. | $38,848 | $40,800 | 199% |
| Precision Metal Working. | $38,848 | $0 | N/A |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | $38,848 | $0 | N/A |
Peer Comparison
117%
20yr ROI
96%
20yr ROI
264%
20yr ROI
151%
20yr ROI
156%
20yr ROI
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.