Oberlin College 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 Oberlin College costs about $258,584 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $38,871 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 66.8 years (20-year ROI: -70%).
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$258,584
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$3,871/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
66.8 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
-70%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
One year after graduation, Oberlin College graduates earn a median of $23,185, which increases to $38,871 after five years, and $58,343 after ten years. The annual tuition cost is $64,646. The median debt for graduates is $26,000, and 32.9% of students receive financial aid.
Based on the provided data, it is not possible to calculate a debt-to-income ratio or a break-even timeline. The data does not include information about the average or median income before attending Oberlin College.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$64,646
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,000
Median Earnings (5yr)
$38,871
Graduation Rate
82%
Receive Financial Aid
33%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Music | $21,518 | N/A |
| Political Science and Government | $51,717 | 29% |
| Area Studies | $41,849 | -47% |
| Psychology, General | $39,131 | -68% |
| Biology, General | $0 | N/A |
| Economics | $64,495 | 128% |
| English Language and Literature, General | $0 | N/A |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies | $0 | N/A |
| Neurobiology and Neurosciences | $0 | N/A |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts | $0 | N/A |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $0 | N/A |
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.