Princeton University
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$238,840
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$52,815/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
4.5 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
342%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Princeton University's in-state tuition is $59,710. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median salary of $72,064. Five years after graduation, the median salary is $87,815, and ten years after graduation, the median salary is $110,066. The median debt for graduates is $10,320.
The debt-to-income ratio for graduates is very low. The median debt of $10,320 is a small fraction of the one-year median salary of $72,064. Given the high starting salaries, the break-even timeline, or the time it takes for graduates to earn back their tuition costs, is relatively short.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$59,710
Median Debt at Graduation
$10,320
Median Earnings (5yr)
$87,815
Graduation Rate
97%
Receive Financial Aid
3%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economics. | $238,840 | $0 | N/A |
| Public Policy Analysis. | $238,840 | $0 | N/A |
| Public Policy Analysis. | $238,840 | $97,336 | 422% |
| History. | $238,840 | $0 | N/A |
| Political Science and Government. | $238,840 | $0 | N/A |
| Operations Research. | $238,840 | $0 | N/A |
| Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology. | $238,840 | $0 | N/A |
| Mechanical Engineering. | $238,840 | $0 | N/A |
| Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology. | $238,840 | $0 | N/A |
| English Language and Literature, General. | $238,840 | $0 | N/A |
| Research and Experimental Psychology. | $238,840 | $0 | N/A |
| Physics. | $238,840 | $0 | N/A |
Peer Comparison
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.