Occidental College ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$253,784
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$17,209/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
14.7 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
36%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
The annual tuition at Occidental College is $63,446. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median salary of $37,306. Five years after graduation, the median salary increases to $52,209, and after ten years, the median salary is $75,951. The median debt for students is $23,000, and 38.8% of students receive financial aid.
Given the median debt of $23,000 and the one-year post-graduation salary of $37,306, the debt-to-income ratio is approximately 0.62. This indicates that the median debt is about 62% of the first-year salary.
Based on the provided data, a precise break-even timeline cannot be calculated. However, the data suggests that graduates' earnings increase over time, potentially offsetting the initial investment in tuition.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$63,446
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,000
Median Earnings (5yr)
$52,209
Graduation Rate
84%
Receive Financial Aid
39%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Economics | $75,699 | 221% |
| International Relations and National Security Studies | $69,388 | 171% |
| Biology, General | $0 | N/A |
| Political Science and Government | $56,838 | 72% |
| Psychology, General | $0 | N/A |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts | $0 | N/A |
| Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology | $0 | N/A |
| Cognitive Science | $0 | N/A |
| Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services | $0 | N/A |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $35,993 | -92% |
| English Language and Literature, General | $0 | N/A |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | $58,582 | 86% |
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.