Furman University
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$233,248
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$15,796/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
14.8 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
35%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Furman University's high tuition of $58,312 contrasts with graduates' initial earnings. One year after graduation, the median earnings are $35,856. However, earnings increase over time, reaching $50,796 after five years and $68,635 after ten years. The median debt for graduates is $23,250, and 27.8% of students receive financial aid.
The debt-to-income ratio can be calculated using the provided data. The median debt of $23,250 compared to the one-year earnings of $35,856 results in a debt-to-income ratio of approximately 0.65. This ratio suggests that graduates' debt is manageable relative to their initial earnings.
A break-even timeline, the time it takes for earnings to surpass the total cost of education, is not directly calculable with the provided data. However, the data indicates that graduates' earnings increase significantly over time, suggesting a positive return on investment in the long term.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$58,312
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,250
Median Earnings (5yr)
$50,796
Graduation Rate
84%
Receive Financial Aid
28%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies. | $233,248 | $56,966 | 88% |
| Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other. | $233,248 | $0 | N/A |
| Political Science and Government. | $233,248 | $57,998 | 97% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $233,248 | $64,242 | 151% |
| Psychology, General. | $233,248 | $0 | N/A |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | $233,248 | $65,264 | 160% |
| Biology, General. | $233,248 | $0 | N/A |
| Music. | $233,248 | $38,887 | -67% |
| Economics. | $233,248 | $0 | N/A |
| English Language and Literature, General. | $233,248 | $0 | N/A |
| Religion/Religious Studies. | $233,248 | $0 | N/A |
| History. | $233,248 | $0 | N/A |
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.