Elon 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
$178,144
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$23,082/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
7.7 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
159%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
One year after graduation, Elon University graduates earn a median salary of $45,880. Five years after graduation, the median salary increases to $58,082, and after ten years, graduates earn $74,545. The in-state tuition cost is $44,536. The median debt for graduates is $20,500, and 24.5% of students receive financial aid.
The debt-to-income ratio for Elon University graduates is favorable. The median debt of $20,500 is less than the one-year post-graduation salary of $45,880. The break-even timeline, or the time it takes for a graduate to earn the cost of tuition, is less than one year based on the one-year post-graduation salary.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$44,536
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,500
Median Earnings (5yr)
$58,082
Graduation Rate
83%
Receive Financial Aid
25%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $87,590 | 490% |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $0 | N/A |
| Marketing | $75,472 | 354% |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication | $60,900 | 191% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $80,152 | 407% |
| Law | $66,563 | 254% |
| Psychology, General | $48,045 | 46% |
| Political Science and Government | $67,059 | 260% |
| Accounting and Related Services | $87,359 | 488% |
| Public Health | $45,011 | 12% |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $55,945 | 135% |
| International/Global Studies | $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.