Fort Lewis College
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$38,680
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$1,352/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
28.6 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
-30%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
The median debt for Fort Lewis College graduates is $18,389. One year after graduation, the median earnings are $30,214. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $36,352, and ten years after graduation, earnings are $46,349. The average annual in-state tuition is $9,670.
The debt-to-income ratio for graduates one year out is approximately 0.61, calculated by dividing the median debt by the one-year earnings. The five-year debt-to-income ratio is approximately 0.51. The ten-year debt-to-income ratio is approximately 0.40.
Based on the provided data, the break-even point, where cumulative earnings surpass the cost of tuition, is approximately 0.6 years. This is calculated by dividing the tuition cost by the one-year earnings.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$9,670
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,389
Median Earnings (5yr)
$36,352
Graduation Rate
41%
Receive Financial Aid
29%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | $38,680 | $52,714 | 816% |
| Psychology, General. | $38,680 | $31,887 | N/A |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | $38,680 | $34,619 | N/A |
| Biology, General. | $38,680 | $38,066 | 59% |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | $38,680 | $34,095 | N/A |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | $38,680 | $34,200 | N/A |
| Accounting and Related Services. | $38,680 | $58,502 | 1115% |
| Public Health. | $38,680 | $33,966 | N/A |
| Sociology. | $38,680 | $32,059 | N/A |
| Marketing. | $38,680 | $46,976 | 519% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | $38,680 | $0 | N/A |
| English Language and Literature, General. | $38,680 | $40,521 | 185% |
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.