Drake University
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$199,776
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$23,233/yr
vs 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 after ten years, earnings reach $71,901. The median debt for graduates is $23,000, and 47.1% of students receive financial aid.
The debt-to-income ratio for Drake University graduates is favorable. With a median debt of $23,000 and a starting salary of $51,837, the debt represents less than half of the annual income.
Based on the provided data, a simple calculation suggests a break-even point of less than one year. The initial earnings exceed the tuition cost, indicating a positive return on investment within the first year after graduation.
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
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | $199,776 | $88,385 | 434% |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | $199,776 | $131,555 | 867% |
| Law. | $199,776 | $71,685 | 267% |
| Marketing. | $199,776 | $70,052 | 251% |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | $199,776 | $102,111 | 572% |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. | $199,776 | $58,012 | 130% |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | $199,776 | $64,039 | 191% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $199,776 | $102,913 | 580% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | $199,776 | $51,787 | 68% |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | $199,776 | $0 | N/A |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | $199,776 | $81,311 | 364% |
| Accounting and Related Services. | $199,776 | $75,593 | 306% |
Peer Comparison
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
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.