Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts ROI Analysis
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 Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts costs about $47,536 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $36,803 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 26.4 years (20-year ROI: -24%).
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$47,536
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$1,803/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
26.4 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
-24%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts has a student body of 748, with a high acceptance rate of 92.4%. The graduation rate is 52.6%, and the retention rate is 68.9%. The in-state tuition cost is $11,884. One year after graduation, the median earnings are $35,271, increasing to $36,803 after five years, and $48,102 after ten years.
The median debt for graduates is $23,750, and 60.5% of students receive financial aid. The debt-to-income ratio can be calculated using the median debt and the one-year earnings.
Based on the provided data, a precise break-even timeline cannot be calculated. However, the one-year earnings are significantly higher than the tuition cost, indicating a positive return on investment within the first year after graduation.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$11,884
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,750
Median Earnings (5yr)
$36,803
Graduation Rate
53%
Receive Financial Aid
61%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $44,266 | 290% |
| English Language and Literature, General | $37,974 | 25% |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $36,982 | -17% |
| Education, General | $45,014 | 321% |
| Psychology, General | $39,763 | 100% |
| Sociology | $39,449 | 87% |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $93,144 | 2346% |
| Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management | $0 | N/A |
| Business/Commerce, General | $0 | N/A |
Peer Comparison
-24%
20yr ROI
4%
20yr ROI
97%
20yr ROI
-21%
20yr ROI
29%
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.