Dickinson 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
$36,472
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$13,628/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
2.7 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
647%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Dickinson State University's in-state tuition costs $9,118. One year after graduation, alumni earn $49,802. Five years after graduation, earnings are $48,628, and ten years after graduation, earnings are $50,720. The median debt for graduates is $18,442.
The debt-to-income ratio is calculated by dividing the median debt by the one-year earnings. For Dickinson State University, this ratio is approximately 0.37. This means the median debt is about 37% of the average graduate's first-year earnings.
To calculate the break-even timeline, divide the median debt by the difference between the one-year earnings and the tuition cost. The break-even timeline is approximately 0.5 years.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$9,118
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,442
Median Earnings (5yr)
$48,628
Graduation Rate
44%
Receive Financial Aid
39%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $50,499 | 750% |
| Accounting and Related Services | $47,496 | 585% |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants | $63,033 | 1437% |
| Human Resources Management and Services | $0 | N/A |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $44,927 | 444% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $65,020 | 1546% |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $0 | N/A |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $51,691 | 815% |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $0 | N/A |
| Agriculture, General | $0 | N/A |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $48,309 | 630% |
| Agricultural Business and Management | $0 | N/A |
Peer Comparison
647%
20yr ROI
818%
20yr ROI
380%
20yr ROI
783%
20yr ROI
858%
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.