Gardner-Webb University
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$133,800
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$8,996/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
14.9 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
34%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Gardner-Webb University's in-state tuition is $33,450. One year after graduation, alumni earn $45,413. Five years after graduation, earnings are $43,996, and ten years after graduation, earnings are $48,039. The median debt for graduates is $24,222.
The debt-to-income ratio for Gardner-Webb graduates is favorable. With a median debt of $24,222 and an average starting salary of $45,413, graduates likely have a manageable debt burden relative to their earnings.
Given the earnings data, the break-even point for tuition investment can be estimated. With a starting salary of $45,413, the initial tuition cost of $33,450 is earned back within the first year.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$33,450
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,222
Median Earnings (5yr)
$43,996
Graduation Rate
57%
Receive Financial Aid
55%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | $133,800 | $0 | N/A |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $133,800 | $63,380 | 324% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $133,800 | $66,782 | 375% |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | $133,800 | $61,349 | 294% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $133,800 | $92,505 | 760% |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | $133,800 | $39,990 | -25% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $133,800 | $40,880 | -12% |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | $133,800 | $120,300 | 1175% |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | $133,800 | $38,890 | -42% |
| Accounting and Related Services. | $133,800 | $55,487 | 206% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $133,800 | $63,689 | 329% |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | $133,800 | $73,745 | 479% |
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.