Mercyhurst University 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 Mercyhurst University costs about $178,040 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $39,565 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 39 years (20-year ROI: -49%).
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$178,040
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$4,565/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
39 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
-49%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
One year after graduation, Mercyhurst University graduates earn a median of $39,521, which is less than the annual tuition cost of $44,510. Five years after graduation, earnings are $39,565, and ten years after graduation, earnings increase to $47,452. The median debt for Mercyhurst graduates is $25,305.
The debt-to-income ratio for Mercyhurst graduates is approximately 0.64 based on the one-year earnings and median debt. The break-even point, or the time it takes for graduates to earn enough to cover the cost of tuition, is more than one year.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$44,510
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,305
Median Earnings (5yr)
$39,565
Graduation Rate
61%
Receive Financial Aid
67%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Intelligence, Command Control and Information Operations | $71,220 | 307% |
| Special Education and Teaching | $47,669 | 42% |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions | $0 | N/A |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $57,701 | 155% |
| Biology, General | $62,656 | 211% |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $45,685 | 20% |
| Marketing | $60,176 | 183% |
| Hospitality Administration/Management | $43,101 | -9% |
| Psychology, General | $42,829 | -12% |
| Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations | $50,828 | 78% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $57,183 | 149% |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $60,261 | 184% |
| Communication and Media Studies | $45,516 | 18% |
| Design and Applied Arts | $49,690 | 65% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $0 | N/A |
| Political Science and Government | $0 | N/A |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services | $39,051 | -54% |
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.