Return on Investment Analysis

Dartmouth College ROI Analysis

Q: How long does it take to break even on a Dartmouth College degree?

The estimated break-even point for a degree from Dartmouth College is 5.5 years after graduation, based on the earnings premium over a high school diploma.

Q: What is the total cost of attending Dartmouth College?

The estimated 4-year in-state tuition cost at Dartmouth College is $262,956 ($65,739 per year). 12% of students receive financial aid.

Q: What do Dartmouth College graduates earn?

The median earnings for Dartmouth College graduates 5 years after enrollment is $82,541. This is $47,541 above the national average for high school diploma holders.

Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.

Quick answer

USACollegeData.com ROI analysis (College Scorecard data): four years at Dartmouth College costs about $262,956 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $82,541 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 5.5 years (20-year ROI: 262%).

ROI Summary

Total 4-Year Cost

$262,956

In-state tuition x 4

Earnings Premium

$47,541/yr

above high school diploma avg

Break-Even Point

5.5 years

After graduation

20-Year ROI

262%

Return on investment

ROI Analysis

Dartmouth College's high tuition of $65,739 is offset by strong early career earnings. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median of $68,361, which is slightly higher than the cost of tuition. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $82,541, and ten years after graduation, earnings reach $97,434.

The median debt for Dartmouth graduates is $17,500. With a median salary of $68,361 one year after graduation, the debt-to-income ratio is approximately 0.26. This suggests graduates are in a favorable position to manage their debt.

Given the high earnings and relatively low debt, Dartmouth graduates likely experience a quick return on investment. The one-year earnings are already higher than the median debt.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

The Numbers

Annual Tuition (In-State)

$65,739

Median Debt at Graduation

$17,500

Median Earnings (5yr)

$82,541

Graduation Rate

95%

Receive Financial Aid

12%

Avg Aid Amount

N/A

Program-Level ROI

Program	4yr Cost	Median Earnings (5yr)	Est. 20yr ROI
Economics	$262,956	$118,120	532%
Business Administration, Management and Operations	$262,956	$210,453	1234%
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods	$262,956	$0	N/A
Engineering Science	$262,956	$90,843	325%
Political Science and Government	$262,956	$84,898	280%
Medicine	$262,956	$86,814	294%
Research and Experimental Psychology	$262,956	$0	N/A
Biology, General	$262,956	$0	N/A
Mathematics	$262,956	$124,017	577%
Anthropology	$262,956	$0	N/A
Neurobiology and Neurosciences	$262,956	$0	N/A
History	$262,956	$82,121	258%
Area Studies	$262,956	$71,072	174%
Health and Medical Administrative Services	$262,956	$0	N/A
Natural Resources Conservation and Research	$262,956	$0	N/A
Mathematics and Statistics, Other	$262,956	$0	N/A
Sociology	$262,956	$71,802	180%
English Language and Literature, General	$262,956	$55,730	58%
Geography and Cartography	$262,956	$0	N/A
Fine and Studio Arts	$262,956	$0	N/A
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies	$262,956	$0	N/A

Peer Comparison

Dartmouth College Current

262%

20yr ROI

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

288%

20yr ROI

Georgetown University

270%

20yr ROI

Yale University

261%

20yr ROI

Golden Gate University

647%

20yr ROI

Financial Aid Impact

Before Aid

4-Year Tuition$262,956

Median Debt$17,500

After Aid (Estimated)

Estimated Total Aid$0

Net 4-Year Cost$262,956

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dartmouth College worth the cost?

Based on government data, Dartmouth College has an estimated 20-year ROI of 262%. The total 4-year cost is $262,956 and graduates earn a median of $82,541 within 5 years.

How long does it take to break even on a Dartmouth College degree?

What is the total cost of attending Dartmouth College?

What do Dartmouth College graduates earn?

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.

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