Purdue University-Main Campus ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$39,968
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$25,838/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
1.5 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
1193%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Purdue University-Main Campus has a strong return on investment. The average in-state tuition is $9,992. One year after graduation, alumni earn an average of $61,124. Five years after graduation, earnings average $60,838, and ten years after graduation, earnings increase to $72,424.
The median debt for Purdue graduates is $19,500. With an average starting salary of $61,124, the debt-to-income ratio is favorable. Considering the tuition cost and the average starting salary, the break-even point for tuition is less than one year.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$9,992
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,500
Median Earnings (5yr)
$60,838
Graduation Rate
83%
Receive Financial Aid
23%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $116,745 | 3991% |
| Mechanical Engineering | $112,491 | 3778% |
| Communication and Media Studies | $71,370 | 1720% |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering | $91,645 | 2735% |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering | $89,141 | 2609% |
| Industrial Engineering | $92,621 | 2783% |
| Education, General | $70,422 | 1673% |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | $92,054 | 2755% |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians | $75,842 | 1944% |
| Civil Engineering | $75,048 | 1904% |
| Statistics | $90,328 | 2669% |
| Chemical Engineering | $85,260 | 2415% |
Peer Comparison
1193%
20yr ROI
1009%
20yr ROI
1004%
20yr ROI
824%
20yr ROI
1349%
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.