Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$63,776
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$20,620/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
3.1 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
547%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
One year after graduation, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona graduates earn a median of $54,468. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $55,620, and ten years after graduation, earnings are $63,435. The median debt for graduates is $25,000, and 55.4% of students receive financial aid.
The annual in-state tuition cost is $15,944. The debt-to-income ratio for graduates is not provided. The data does not provide enough information to calculate a break-even timeline.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$15,944
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
Median Earnings (5yr)
$55,620
Graduation Rate
17%
Receive Financial Aid
55%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Peer Comparison
547%
20yr ROI
617%
20yr ROI
636%
20yr ROI
623%
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.