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Return on Investment Analysis

Northern State 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

$35,380

In-state tuition x 4

Earnings Premium

$6,536/yr

above high school diploma avg

Break-Even Point

5.4 years

After graduation

20-Year ROI

269%

Return on investment

ROI Analysis

The average in-state tuition at Northern State University is $8,845. One year after graduation, alumni earn an average of $42,847. Five years after graduation, earnings are $41,536, and after ten years, earnings increase to $47,618. The median debt for graduates is $22,320, and 23.3% of students receive financial aid.

Based on the provided data, a graduate's earnings in the first year are approximately five times the cost of tuition. The debt-to-income ratio, calculated by dividing the median debt by the first-year earnings, is roughly 0.52.

To calculate the break-even point, we can divide the median debt by the difference between the first-year earnings and the tuition cost. This calculation suggests a break-even timeline of approximately 0.6 years.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

The Numbers

Annual Tuition (In-State)

$8,845

Median Debt at Graduation

$22,320

Median Earnings (5yr)

$41,536

Graduation Rate

52%

Receive Financial Aid

23%

Avg Aid Amount

N/A

Program-Level ROI

Program 4yr Cost Median Earnings (5yr) Est. 20yr ROI
Business Administration, Management and Operations $35,380 $48,645 671%
Health and Physical Education/Fitness $35,380 $42,292 312%
Biology, General $35,380 $55,785 1075%
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $35,380 $44,102 415%
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas $35,380 $0 N/A
Curriculum and Instruction $35,380 $48,667 673%
Finance and Financial Management Services $35,380 $0 N/A
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities $35,380 $0 N/A
Marketing $35,380 $0 N/A
Student Counseling and Personnel Services $35,380 $50,278 764%
Special Education and Teaching $35,380 $0 N/A
Psychology, General $35,380 $50,634 784%

Peer Comparison

Northern State University Current

269%

20yr ROI

University of Central Missouri

238%

20yr ROI

Clayton State University

554%

20yr ROI

Emporia State University

334%

20yr ROI

Indiana University-South Bend

291%

20yr ROI

Financial Aid Impact

Before Aid

4-Year Tuition$35,380
Median Debt$22,320

After Aid (Estimated)

Estimated Total Aid$0
Net 4-Year Cost$35,380

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on government data, Northern State University has an estimated 20-year ROI of 269%. The total 4-year cost is $35,380 and graduates earn a median of $41,536 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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