Grinnell College ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$259,448
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$14,004/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
18.5 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
8%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
The annual tuition at Grinnell College is $64,862. One year after graduation, the median earnings are $33,404. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $49,004, and ten years after graduation, earnings reach $62,830. The median debt for graduates is $17,500.
The provided data does not include the debt-to-income ratio. However, the data does show that the median debt is $17,500. The one-year earnings are $33,404, which is almost double the debt.
The data does not provide enough information to calculate a break-even timeline.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$64,862
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,500
Median Earnings (5yr)
$49,004
Graduation Rate
88%
Receive Financial Aid
12%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Political Science and Government | $51,522 | 27% |
| Economics | $67,691 | 152% |
| Biology, General | $48,846 | 7% |
| Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology | $56,764 | 68% |
| Mathematics | $0 | N/A |
| English Language and Literature, General | $49,405 | 11% |
| Research and Experimental Psychology | $0 | N/A |
| Sociology | $50,389 | 19% |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics | $47,618 | -3% |
| History | $50,567 | 20% |
| Philosophy | $0 | N/A |
| Physics | $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.