Lafayette 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
$250,296
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$45,614/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
5.5 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
264%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Lafayette College's high tuition of $62,574 is offset by strong earnings potential. One year after graduation, alumni earn $56,373, increasing to $80,614 after five years and $91,410 after ten years. The median debt for graduates is $16,000, and 21.1% of students receive financial aid.
The debt-to-income ratio for Lafayette graduates is favorable. The median debt of $16,000 is a small fraction of the earnings reported. The one-year earnings are more than three times the debt.
Given the earnings and debt figures, the break-even timeline, the time it takes for earnings to surpass the initial investment in tuition, is relatively long. However, the high earnings potential suggests a positive return on investment over time.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$62,574
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,000
Median Earnings (5yr)
$80,614
Graduation Rate
89%
Receive Financial Aid
21%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Economics | $88,504 | 328% |
| Political Science and Government | $71,924 | 195% |
| Mechanical Engineering | $78,864 | 250% |
| International Relations and National Security Studies | $64,575 | 136% |
| Psychology, General | $60,657 | 105% |
| Sociology and Anthropology | $0 | N/A |
| Biology, General | $60,777 | 106% |
| Civil Engineering | $88,494 | 327% |
| Neurobiology and Neurosciences | $62,006 | 116% |
| Chemical Engineering | $86,678 | 313% |
| History | $0 | N/A |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $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.