Drake University 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 Drake University costs about $199,776 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $58,233 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 8.6 years (20-year ROI: 133%).
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$199,776
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$23,233/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
8.6 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
133%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Drake University's in-state tuition is $49,944. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median of $51,837. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $58,233, and ten years after graduation, earnings reach $71,901. The median debt for Drake University graduates is $23,000.
Based on the provided data, the debt-to-income ratio is favorable. The median debt of $23,000 is less than the one-year post-graduation earnings of $51,837.
With a median debt of $23,000 and a starting salary of $51,837, the break-even point, or the time it takes to earn back the cost of education, is less than one year.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$49,944
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,000
Median Earnings (5yr)
$58,233
Graduation Rate
77%
Receive Financial Aid
47%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision | $88,385 | 434% |
| Law | $71,685 | 267% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $102,913 | 580% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $51,787 | 68% |
| Marketing | $70,052 | 251% |
| Accounting and Related Services | $78,569 | 336% |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | $102,111 | 572% |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $58,012 | 130% |
| Curriculum and Instruction | $64,039 | 191% |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions | $0 | N/A |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $81,311 | 364% |
| Public Administration | $69,644 | 247% |
| Journalism | $48,432 | 34% |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $77,918 | 330% |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services | $53,930 | 90% |
| Communication and Media Studies | $0 | N/A |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $26,018 | N/A |
| Biology, General | $63,077 | 181% |
| Legal Professions and Studies, Other | $58,783 | 138% |
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.