Gonzaga University
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$214,000
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$31,525/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
6.8 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
195%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
One year after graduation, Gonzaga University alumni earn a median salary of $53,993, which is slightly higher than the annual tuition cost of $53,500. Five years after graduation, median earnings increase to $66,525, and ten years after graduation, median earnings reach $78,892. The median debt for graduates is $24,454.
The debt-to-income ratio for Gonzaga graduates is favorable. With a median debt of $24,454 and a starting salary of $53,993, the debt represents approximately 45% of the first year's earnings. This indicates a manageable debt burden relative to income.
Given the tuition cost and earnings data, the break-even point, where cumulative earnings surpass the total cost of education, is within the first year after graduation. The high starting salary and subsequent earnings growth suggest a strong return on investment for Gonzaga University graduates.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$53,500
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,454
Median Earnings (5yr)
$66,525
Graduation Rate
88%
Receive Financial Aid
36%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | $214,000 | $72,747 | 253% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $214,000 | $101,472 | 521% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $214,000 | $121,929 | 712% |
| Law. | $214,000 | $76,934 | 292% |
| Psychology, General. | $214,000 | $53,452 | 72% |
| Biology, General. | $214,000 | $45,744 | 0% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $214,000 | $86,777 | 384% |
| Mechanical Engineering. | $214,000 | $79,368 | 315% |
| Accounting and Related Services. | $214,000 | $79,971 | 320% |
| Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other. | $214,000 | $81,537 | 335% |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | $214,000 | $0 | N/A |
| Political Science and Government. | $214,000 | $58,078 | 116% |
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.