Kansas State University
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$43,768
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$14,330/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
3.1 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
555%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
One year after graduation, Kansas State University alumni earn a median of $47,890. This is approximately 4.4 times the in-state tuition cost of $10,942. Five years after graduation, median earnings increase to $49,330, and after ten years, earnings reach $57,262. The median debt for graduates is $21,250.
Based on the provided data, the debt-to-income ratio for a graduate one year after graduation is approximately 0.44, calculated by dividing the median debt of $21,250 by the one-year earnings of $47,890. The break-even point, or the time it takes to earn back the tuition cost, is less than one year.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$10,942
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,250
Median Earnings (5yr)
$49,330
Graduation Rate
70%
Receive Financial Aid
37%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Sciences. | $43,768 | $44,097 | 316% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | $43,768 | $43,398 | 284% |
| Mechanical Engineering. | $43,768 | $79,131 | 1917% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $43,768 | $59,548 | 1022% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | $43,768 | $73,321 | 1651% |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | $43,768 | $63,146 | 1186% |
| Marketing. | $43,768 | $61,965 | 1132% |
| Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences. | $43,768 | $0 | N/A |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | $43,768 | $0 | N/A |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | $43,768 | $38,866 | 77% |
| Veterinary Medicine. | $43,768 | $98,505 | 2802% |
| Journalism. | $43,768 | $47,601 | 476% |
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.