Gardner-Webb University ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
Quick answer
USACollegeData.com ROI analysis (College Scorecard data): four years at Gardner-Webb University costs about $133,800 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $43,996 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 14.9 years (20-year ROI: 34%).
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$133,800
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$8,996/yr
above 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 a median of $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 is calculated by dividing the median debt by the one-year earnings. For Gardner-Webb University, this ratio is 0.53. The break-even timeline is calculated by dividing the median debt by the difference between the one-year earnings and the tuition cost. For Gardner-Webb, the break-even timeline is approximately 2.9 years.
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
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision | $91,023 | 737% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $92,505 | 760% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $63,380 | 324% |
| Accounting and Related Services | $63,787 | 330% |
| Curriculum and Instruction | $73,745 | 479% |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology | $39,990 | -25% |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions | $120,300 | 1175% |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $38,890 | -42% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $52,054 | 155% |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions | $0 | N/A |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $0 | N/A |
| Educational/Instructional Media Design | $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.