Davidson 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
$241,200
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$27,866/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
8.7 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
131%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Davidson College's high tuition of $60,300 is offset by strong earnings potential. One year after graduation, alumni earn $41,411, increasing to $62,866 after five years and $81,400 after ten years. The median debt of $18,688 is relatively low compared to the earnings potential, suggesting a favorable return on investment.
The debt-to-income ratio is favorable. With a median debt of $18,688 and an average salary of $41,411 one year after graduation, the debt-to-income ratio is approximately 0.45. This suggests graduates can manage their debt effectively.
Given the earnings trajectory and manageable debt, the break-even timeline, or the time it takes to recoup the initial investment in tuition, is relatively short. While a precise calculation would require more data, the high earnings and low debt suggest a break-even point within a few years of graduation.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$60,300
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,688
Median Earnings (5yr)
$62,866
Graduation Rate
92%
Receive Financial Aid
11%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Political Science and Government | $63,190 | 134% |
| Economics | $89,929 | 355% |
| Biology, General | $0 | N/A |
| Psychology, General | $54,884 | 65% |
| English Language and Literature, General | $49,844 | 23% |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $0 | N/A |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $0 | N/A |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics | $0 | N/A |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | $0 | N/A |
| History | $0 | N/A |
| Sociology | $0 | N/A |
| Area Studies | $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.