Gustavus Adolphus 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
$217,240
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$16,546/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
13.1 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
52%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
The annual tuition at Gustavus Adolphus College is $54,310. One year after graduation, the median earnings are $41,780. Five years after graduation, the median earnings increase to $51,546, and ten years after graduation, the median earnings are $65,607. The median debt for students is $26,774.
The college has a 75.8% graduation rate and an 84.2% retention rate. The acceptance rate is 61.8%. Over half of the students, 55.5%, receive financial aid.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$54,310
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,774
Median Earnings (5yr)
$51,546
Graduation Rate
76%
Receive Financial Aid
56%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General | $53,981 | 75% |
| Business/Commerce, General | $59,351 | 124% |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $43,101 | -25% |
| Biology, General | $43,639 | -20% |
| Communication and Media Studies | $54,826 | 83% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $74,858 | 267% |
| Political Science and Government | $52,827 | 64% |
| English Language and Literature, General | $0 | N/A |
| Economics | $63,259 | 160% |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | $45,254 | -6% |
| Education, General | $0 | N/A |
| Accounting and Related Services | $73,508 | 255% |
Peer Comparison
52%
20yr ROI
122%
20yr ROI
44%
20yr ROI
113%
20yr ROI
34%
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.