George Washington University ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$259,960
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$36,607/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
7.1 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
182%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
One year after graduation, George Washington University graduates earn a median salary of $66,952, which is slightly higher than the annual tuition cost of $64,990. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $71,607, and after ten years, graduates earn $90,873. The median debt for graduates is $20,449, and 32.4% of students receive financial aid.
The debt-to-income ratio, calculated by dividing the median debt by the one-year earnings, is approximately 0.30. This suggests that the debt is manageable relative to the initial earnings.
Based on the provided data, the break-even point, or the time it takes for the cumulative earnings to surpass the tuition cost, is less than one year.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$64,990
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,449
Median Earnings (5yr)
$71,607
Graduation Rate
85%
Receive Financial Aid
32%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| International Relations and National Security Studies | $91,907 | 338% |
| Public Health | $82,209 | 263% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $128,622 | 620% |
| Political Science and Government | $89,553 | 320% |
| Law | $125,556 | 597% |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $106,598 | 451% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $135,286 | 672% |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions | $48,194 | 2% |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management | $0 | N/A |
| Economics | $87,715 | 306% |
| International Business | $101,930 | 415% |
| Human Resources Management and Services | $187,144 | 1071% |
Peer Comparison
182%
20yr ROI
260%
20yr ROI
183%
20yr ROI
0%
20yr ROI
350%
20yr ROI
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.