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Return on Investment Analysis

Radford University ROI Analysis

Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.

Quick answer

USACollegeData.com ROI analysis (College Scorecard data): four years at Radford University costs about $49,144 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $44,830 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 5 years (20-year ROI: 300%).

ROI Summary

Total 4-Year Cost

$49,144

In-state tuition x 4

Earnings Premium

$9,830/yr

above high school diploma avg

Break-Even Point

5 years

After graduation

20-Year ROI

300%

Return on investment

ROI Analysis

Radford University's in-state tuition costs $12,286 per year. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median of $42,002. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $44,830, and ten years after, earnings reach $53,739. The median debt for graduates is $24,000, and 55.1% of students receive financial aid.

Given the median debt of $24,000 and the first-year earnings of $42,002, the debt-to-income ratio is approximately 0.57. This is calculated by dividing the debt by the first-year earnings.

Based on the provided data, it would take approximately 1 year to break even on the investment in tuition, assuming that all earnings are used to pay off the debt. This is calculated by dividing the median debt by the first-year earnings.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

The Numbers

Annual Tuition (In-State)

$12,286

Median Debt at Graduation

$24,000

Median Earnings (5yr)

$44,830

Graduation Rate

52%

Receive Financial Aid

55%

Avg Aid Amount

N/A

Program-Level ROI

Program 4yr Cost Median Earnings (5yr) Est. 20yr ROI
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing $49,144 $62,098 1003%
Psychology, General $49,144 $60,920 955%
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other $49,144 $45,419 324%
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas $49,144 $42,857 220%
Criminal Justice and Corrections $49,144 $47,305 401%
Business Administration, Management and Operations $49,144 $49,713 499%
Biology, General $49,144 $47,617 413%
Communication and Media Studies $49,144 $51,557 574%
Social Work $49,144 $48,050 431%
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions $49,144 $111,492 3013%
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions $49,144 $78,771 1681%
Marketing $49,144 $59,314 890%
Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies $49,144 $43,089 229%
Finance and Financial Management Services $49,144 $78,478 1669%
Journalism $49,144 $40,954 142%
Education, General $49,144 $46,434 365%
Fine and Studio Arts $49,144 $35,907 -63%
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services $49,144 $62,035 1000%
Special Education and Teaching $49,144 $48,143 435%
Accounting and Related Services $49,144 $65,268 1132%
English Language and Literature, General $49,144 $38,157 28%
Design and Applied Arts $49,144 $40,925 141%
History $49,144 $49,327 483%
Music $49,144 $0 N/A

Peer Comparison

Radford University Current

300%

20yr ROI

Indiana University-East

501%

20yr ROI

Utah State University

432%

20yr ROI

Millersville University of Pennsylvania

300%

20yr ROI

Texas A&M University-Kingsville

399%

20yr ROI

Financial Aid Impact

Before Aid

4-Year Tuition$49,144
Median Debt$24,000

After Aid (Estimated)

Estimated Total Aid$0
Net 4-Year Cost$49,144

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on government data, Radford University has an estimated 20-year ROI of 300%. The total 4-year cost is $49,144 and graduates earn a median of $44,830 within 5 years.

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.

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