Eckerd College ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$201,496
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$2,505/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
80.4 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
-75%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Eckerd College's in-state tuition is $50,374. One year after graduation, the median earnings are $27,000. Five years after graduation, median earnings rise to $37,505, and ten years after graduation, median earnings are $51,819. The median debt for students is $27,000.
The debt-to-income ratio, comparing the median debt to the one-year earnings, is approximately 1:1. The five-year earnings are slightly higher than the tuition cost.
Based on the provided data, it would take approximately 5 years for a graduate's earnings to equal the tuition cost.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$50,374
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
Median Earnings (5yr)
$37,505
Graduation Rate
68%
Receive Financial Aid
36%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | $36,542 | -85% |
| Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology | $35,078 | -99% |
| Biology, General | $29,623 | N/A |
| Psychology, General | $37,904 | -71% |
| Research and Experimental Psychology | $40,112 | -49% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $69,794 | 245% |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics | $31,227 | N/A |
| Communication and Media Studies | $36,282 | -87% |
| Business/Commerce, General | $55,834 | 107% |
| Visual and Performing Arts, General | $0 | N/A |
| International Business | $0 | N/A |
| Political Science and Government | $0 | N/A |
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.