Dickinson College ROI Analysis
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 Dickinson College costs about $253,900 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $57,110 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 11.5 years (20-year ROI: 74%).
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$253,900
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$22,110/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
11.5 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
74%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
One year after graduation, Dickinson College alumni earn a median of $38,320, increasing to $57,110 after five years, and $70,204 after ten years. The in-state tuition cost is $63,475. The median debt for graduates is $19,000, and 40.1% of students receive financial aid.
The debt-to-income ratio for Dickinson College graduates is favorable. The median debt of $19,000 is less than the one-year earnings of $38,320. The five-year earnings of $57,110 are nearly three times the debt.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$63,475
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,000
Median Earnings (5yr)
$57,110
Graduation Rate
84%
Receive Financial Aid
40%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| International Business | $81,762 | 268% |
| Political Science and Government | $58,207 | 83% |
| Economics | $67,032 | 152% |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | $45,238 | -19% |
| Psychology, General | $62,695 | 118% |
| Area Studies | $48,099 | 3% |
| Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology | $0 | N/A |
| Biology, General | $64,560 | 133% |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics | $52,987 | 42% |
| English Language and Literature, General | $56,242 | 67% |
| Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education | $0 | N/A |
| Public Policy Analysis | $109,508 | 487% |
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.