Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona ROI Analysis
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
above 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 salary of $54,468. The median debt for graduates is $25,000. With an in-state tuition cost of $15,944, the school has a high return on investment. The five-year earnings are $55,620, and the ten-year earnings are $63,435.
The debt-to-income ratio for graduates is favorable. The median debt of $25,000 is a manageable amount compared to the starting salary. The high earnings potential suggests graduates can pay off their loans without financial difficulty.
Given the earnings and debt figures, graduates likely break even on their tuition investment within a few years of graduation. The relatively low tuition cost combined with the solid starting salaries contribute to a quick return on investment.
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
N/A
Peer Comparison
547%
20yr ROI
617%
20yr ROI
636%
20yr ROI
623%
20yr ROI
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.