Drexel 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
$242,652
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$34,063/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
7.1 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
181%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Drexel University's high tuition of $60,663 is offset by relatively high earnings post-graduation. One year after graduation, the median earnings are $71,209. Five years after graduation, earnings are $69,063, and ten years after, they rise to $84,648. The median debt for graduates is $25,325, and nearly half of the students receive financial aid.
The debt-to-income ratio for Drexel graduates is favorable. With a median debt of $25,325 and earnings starting at $71,209 one year after graduation, the debt is manageable relative to income. The high retention rate of 89.6% and graduation rate of 77.6% suggest that students are generally satisfied with their investment.
Given the earnings and debt figures, the break-even point for Drexel graduates is relatively short. The initial earnings significantly exceed the median debt, indicating a quick return on investment. The specific timeline depends on individual circumstances, but the data suggests that graduates can likely pay off their debt and begin to see a positive return within a few years of graduation.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$60,663
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,325
Median Earnings (5yr)
$69,063
Graduation Rate
78%
Receive Financial Aid
49%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $113,512 | 547% |
| Accounting and Related Services | $76,765 | 244% |
| Medicine | $100,391 | 439% |
| Mechanical Engineering | $101,326 | 447% |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | $86,702 | 326% |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $74,340 | 224% |
| Business/Commerce, General | $120,741 | 607% |
| Design and Applied Arts | $62,097 | 123% |
| Marketing | $68,543 | 176% |
| Biomedical/Medical Engineering | $91,048 | 362% |
| Biology, General | $56,036 | 73% |
| Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management | $51,482 | 36% |
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.