Georgia State University
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$33,912
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$2,844/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
11.9 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
68%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Georgia State University's in-state tuition costs $8,478 per year. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median of $37,719. Five years after graduation, earnings are $37,844, and ten years after graduation, earnings increase to $47,384. The median debt for graduates is $20,903.
The debt-to-income ratio for Georgia State graduates is not provided. However, based on the median debt and one-year earnings, the debt is approximately 55% of the annual income.
The data does not provide a break-even timeline, which would require calculating the total cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, and living expenses, and comparing it to the increase in earnings after graduation.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$8,478
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,903
Median Earnings (5yr)
$37,844
Graduation Rate
54%
Receive Financial Aid
42%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General. | $33,912 | $40,518 | 225% |
| Biology, General. | $33,912 | $44,020 | 432% |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | $33,912 | $47,111 | 614% |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | $33,912 | $79,310 | 2513% |
| Marketing. | $33,912 | $59,099 | 1321% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $33,912 | $54,801 | 1068% |
| Political Science and Government. | $33,912 | $48,846 | 717% |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | $33,912 | $65,600 | 1705% |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts. | $33,912 | $36,668 | -2% |
| Journalism. | $33,912 | $43,196 | 383% |
| Accounting and Related Services. | $33,912 | $62,731 | 1535% |
| Law. | $33,912 | $89,252 | 3100% |
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.