North Carolina Wesleyan University ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$142,144
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$3,939/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
36.1 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
-45%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
One year after graduation, North Carolina Wesleyan University graduates earn a median of $36,227, which is slightly higher than the annual tuition cost of $35,536. However, five years after graduation, earnings increase to $38,939, and ten years after graduation, earnings reach $45,873. The median debt for graduates is $25,000, and 63% of students receive financial aid.
Based on the provided data, the debt-to-income ratio for a graduate one year after graduation is approximately 0.69, calculated by dividing the median debt of $25,000 by the one-year earnings of $36,227. The break-even point, where cumulative earnings surpass the total tuition cost, would occur after approximately one year, considering the initial earnings and the tuition cost.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$35,536
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
Median Earnings (5yr)
$38,939
Graduation Rate
39%
Receive Financial Aid
63%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $48,637 | 92% |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $37,780 | -61% |
| Psychology, General | $41,848 | -4% |
| Accounting and Related Services | $44,078 | 28% |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $49,708 | 107% |
| Marketing | $0 | N/A |
| Sociology | $0 | N/A |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $39,000 | -44% |
| Biology, General | $0 | N/A |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $0 | N/A |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $0 | N/A |
| Religion/Religious Studies | $0 | N/A |
Peer Comparison
-45%
20yr ROI
-59%
20yr ROI
-34%
20yr ROI
-32%
20yr ROI
10%
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.