Empire State University
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$30,520
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$15,167/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
2 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
894%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Empire State University's in-state tuition costs $7,630. The median debt for graduates is $18,730. One year after graduation, the median earnings are $52,821. Five years after graduation, the median earnings are $50,167, and ten years after graduation, the median earnings are $54,080.
The debt-to-income ratio, calculated by dividing the median debt by the one-year earnings, is 0.35. The break-even point, which is the time it takes for earnings to cover the debt, is less than one year.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$7,630
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,730
Median Earnings (5yr)
$50,167
Graduation Rate
27%
Receive Financial Aid
35%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | $30,520 | $59,995 | 1538% |
| Community Organization and Advocacy. | $30,520 | $45,181 | 567% |
| Physical Sciences, Other. | $30,520 | $0 | N/A |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | $30,520 | $0 | N/A |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | $30,520 | $0 | N/A |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $30,520 | $103,646 | 4398% |
| Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis. | $30,520 | $0 | N/A |
| Education, General. | $30,520 | $45,140 | 564% |
| Business/Commerce, General. | $30,520 | $44,964 | 553% |
| Physical Sciences, Other. | $30,520 | $0 | N/A |
| Community Organization and Advocacy. | $30,520 | $40,609 | 268% |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | $30,520 | $0 | N/A |
Peer Comparison
894%
20yr ROI
822%
20yr ROI
575%
20yr ROI
695%
20yr ROI
652%
20yr ROI
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.