Dakota State University ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$38,532
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$11,146/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
3.5 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
479%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Dakota State University's in-state tuition costs $9,633. One year after graduation, alumni earn $48,299, and five years after graduation, earnings are $46,146. Ten years after graduation, earnings increase to $50,970. The median debt for graduates is $23,500, and 36.3% of students receive financial aid.
The debt-to-income ratio for graduates is approximately 0.49, based on the median debt and one-year earnings. This ratio is calculated by dividing the median debt of $23,500 by the one-year earnings of $48,299.
Based on the provided data, the break-even timeline, or the time it takes to earn back the cost of tuition, is less than one year. This is determined by dividing the tuition cost of $9,633 by the one-year earnings of $48,299.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$9,633
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,500
Median Earnings (5yr)
$46,146
Graduation Rate
49%
Receive Financial Aid
36%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management | $117,705 | 4193% |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $60,977 | 1248% |
| Information Science/Studies | $70,164 | 1725% |
| Computer Software and Media Applications | $35,628 | -67% |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $0 | N/A |
| Special Education and Teaching | $0 | N/A |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $46,570 | 501% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $42,479 | 288% |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $50,063 | 682% |
| Educational/Instructional Media Design | $0 | N/A |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions | $64,006 | 1406% |
| Marketing | $0 | N/A |
Peer Comparison
479%
20yr ROI
658%
20yr ROI
338%
20yr ROI
254%
20yr ROI
549%
20yr ROI
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.