Northern State University
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
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
5.4 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
269%
Return on investment
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
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $35,380 | $48,645 | 671% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | $35,380 | $44,102 | 415% |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | $35,380 | $42,292 | 312% |
| Biology, General. | $35,380 | $55,785 | 1075% |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | $35,380 | $48,667 | 673% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | $35,380 | $0 | N/A |
| Marketing. | $35,380 | $0 | N/A |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | $35,380 | $50,278 | 764% |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | $35,380 | $0 | N/A |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | $35,380 | $0 | N/A |
| Special Education and Teaching. | $35,380 | $0 | N/A |
| Psychology, General. | $35,380 | $50,634 | 784% |
Peer Comparison
269%
20yr ROI
238%
20yr ROI
554%
20yr ROI
334%
20yr ROI
291%
20yr ROI
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
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.