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Return on Investment Analysis

Northern Arizona 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 Northern Arizona University costs about $50,608 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $47,308 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 4.1 years (20-year ROI: 386%).

ROI Summary

Total 4-Year Cost

$50,608

In-state tuition x 4

Earnings Premium

$12,308/yr

above high school diploma avg

Break-Even Point

4.1 years

After graduation

20-Year ROI

386%

Return on investment

ROI Analysis

One year after graduation, Northern Arizona University graduates earn a median salary of $45,100. The annual tuition cost for in-state students is $12,652. With a median debt of $19,000, 33.1% of students receive financial aid.

Five years after graduation, the median salary increases to $47,308. Ten years after graduation, the median salary is $54,384.

The debt-to-income ratio for graduates is approximately 0.42. Based on the median debt and the one-year earnings, the break-even point for graduates is less than one year.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

The Numbers

Annual Tuition (In-State)

$12,652

Median Debt at Graduation

$19,000

Median Earnings (5yr)

$47,308

Graduation Rate

58%

Receive Financial Aid

33%

Avg Aid Amount

N/A

Program-Level ROI

Program 4yr Cost Median Earnings (5yr) Est. 20yr ROI
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing $50,608 $109,998 2864%
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities $50,608 $48,759 444%
Business Administration, Management and Operations $50,608 $77,756 1590%
Biology, General $50,608 $45,255 305%
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $50,608 $47,520 395%
Educational Administration and Supervision $50,608 $103,326 2600%
Public Health $50,608 $50,875 527%
Psychology, General $50,608 $40,983 136%
Criminology $50,608 $46,048 337%
Hospitality Administration/Management $50,608 $50,614 517%
Finance and Financial Management Services $50,608 $77,930 1597%
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas $50,608 $57,634 794%
Social Work $50,608 $40,193 105%
Special Education and Teaching $50,608 $50,960 531%
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services $50,608 $66,998 1165%
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication $50,608 $62,001 967%
Mechanical Engineering $50,608 $76,817 1553%
Marketing $50,608 $60,561 910%
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions $50,608 $76,048 1522%
Health and Physical Education/Fitness $50,608 $48,117 418%
Natural Resources Conservation and Research $50,608 $38,200 26%
Student Counseling and Personnel Services $50,608 $52,381 587%
English Language and Literature, General $50,608 $62,549 989%
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $50,608 $86,613 1940%

Peer Comparison

Northern Arizona University Current

386%

20yr ROI

Eastern Connecticut State University

362%

20yr ROI

Grand Canyon University

252%

20yr ROI

Ferris State University

353%

20yr ROI

University of Kentucky

364%

20yr ROI

Financial Aid Impact

Before Aid

4-Year Tuition$50,608
Median Debt$19,000

After Aid (Estimated)

Estimated Total Aid$0
Net 4-Year Cost$50,608

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on government data, Northern Arizona University has an estimated 20-year ROI of 386%. The total 4-year cost is $50,608 and graduates earn a median of $47,308 within 5 years.

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.

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