Princeton University ROI Analysis
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
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
4.5 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
342%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
One year after graduation, Princeton University graduates earn a median salary of $72,064. Five years after graduation, the median salary increases to $87,815, and after ten years, graduates earn a median salary of $110,066. The median debt for graduates is $10,320. The annual tuition cost is $59,710, and 3% of students receive financial aid.
The debt-to-income ratio for graduates is favorable. The median debt of $10,320 is a small fraction of the one-year median salary of $72,064. The high earnings potential suggests a relatively short break-even timeline for the cost of tuition.
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
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Public Policy Analysis | $97,336 | 422% |
| Economics | $0 | N/A |
| History | $0 | N/A |
| Political Science and Government | $0 | N/A |
| Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology | $0 | N/A |
| Operations Research | $0 | N/A |
| Physics | $0 | N/A |
| Mechanical Engineering | $0 | N/A |
| Chemistry | $0 | N/A |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering | $0 | N/A |
| English Language and Literature, General | $0 | N/A |
| Research and Experimental Psychology | $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.