Return on Investment Analysis

Governors State University ROI Analysis

Q: How long does it take to break even on a Governors State University degree?

The estimated break-even point for a degree from Governors State University is 4.3 years after graduation, based on the earnings premium over a high school diploma.

Q: What is the total cost of attending Governors State University?

The estimated 4-year in-state tuition cost at Governors State University is $45,280 ($11,320 per year). 40% of students receive financial aid.

Q: What do Governors State University graduates earn?

The median earnings for Governors State University graduates 5 years after enrollment is $45,435. This is $10,435 above the national average for high school diploma holders.

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 Governors State University costs about $45,280 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $45,435 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 4.3 years (20-year ROI: 361%).

ROI Summary

Total 4-Year Cost

$45,280

In-state tuition x 4

Earnings Premium

$10,435/yr

above high school diploma avg

Break-Even Point

4.3 years

After graduation

20-Year ROI

361%

Return on investment

ROI Analysis

Governors State University's in-state tuition costs $11,320. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median of $43,030. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $45,435, and after ten years, earnings reach $58,169. The median debt for graduates is $18,618.

The debt-to-income ratio, comparing the median debt to the one-year earnings, is approximately 0.43. This is calculated by dividing the median debt of $18,618 by the one-year earnings of $43,030.

To calculate the break-even point, the median debt of $18,618 is divided by the difference between the one-year earnings of $43,030 and the tuition cost of $11,320. This results in a break-even timeline of approximately 0.59 years.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

The Numbers

Annual Tuition (In-State)

$11,320

Median Debt at Graduation

$18,618

Median Earnings (5yr)

$45,435

Graduation Rate

20%

Receive Financial Aid

40%

Avg Aid Amount

N/A

Program-Level ROI

Program	4yr Cost	Median Earnings (5yr)	Est. 20yr ROI
Business Administration, Management and Operations	$45,280	$90,740	2362%
Psychology, General	$45,280	$43,117	259%
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities	$45,280	$37,766	22%
Social Work	$45,280	$51,516	630%
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing	$45,280	$104,738	2980%
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services	$45,280	$55,374	800%
Criminal Justice and Corrections	$45,280	$51,833	644%
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology	$45,280	$62,346	1108%
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions	$45,280	$81,826	1968%
Accounting and Related Services	$45,280	$80,771	1922%
Communication and Media Studies	$45,280	$44,438	317%
Health and Medical Administrative Services	$45,280	$52,533	674%
Public Health	$45,280	$33,380	N/A
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods	$45,280	$39,328	91%
Computer and Information Sciences, General	$45,280	$59,076	963%
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions	$45,280	$45,562	367%
English Language and Literature, General	$45,280	$44,717	329%
Educational Administration and Supervision	$45,280	$0	N/A
Biology, General	$45,280	$45,671	371%

Peer Comparison

Governors State University Current

361%

20yr ROI

Southern Connecticut State University

306%

20yr ROI

University of Michigan-Flint

273%

20yr ROI

Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania

395%

20yr ROI

Metropolitan State University of Denver

382%

20yr ROI

Financial Aid Impact

Before Aid

4-Year Tuition$45,280

Median Debt$18,618

After Aid (Estimated)

Estimated Total Aid$0

Net 4-Year Cost$45,280

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Governors State University worth the cost?

Based on government data, Governors State University has an estimated 20-year ROI of 361%. The total 4-year cost is $45,280 and graduates earn a median of $45,435 within 5 years.

How long does it take to break even on a Governors State University degree?

What is the total cost of attending Governors State University?

What do Governors State University graduates earn?

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.

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