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Return on Investment Analysis

Saint Cloud State 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 Saint Cloud State University costs about $40,468 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $47,215 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 3.3 years (20-year ROI: 504%).

ROI Summary

Total 4-Year Cost

$40,468

In-state tuition x 4

Earnings Premium

$12,215/yr

above high school diploma avg

Break-Even Point

3.3 years

After graduation

20-Year ROI

504%

Return on investment

ROI Analysis

The annual in-state tuition at Saint Cloud State University is $10,117. One year after graduation, the median earnings are $46,696. Five years after graduation, the median earnings are $47,215, and ten years after graduation, the median earnings are $55,813. The median debt for graduates is $21,058, and 25.4% of students receive financial aid.

The debt-to-income ratio, calculated by dividing the median debt by the one-year earnings, is approximately 0.45. This means the median debt is about 45% of the graduates' annual income one year after graduation.

Based on the provided data, a simple break-even calculation, dividing the median debt by the difference between the one-year earnings and the annual tuition, suggests a break-even timeline of approximately 0.6 years. This is a rough estimate and does not account for living expenses or other factors.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

The Numbers

Annual Tuition (In-State)

$10,117

Median Debt at Graduation

$21,058

Median Earnings (5yr)

$47,215

Graduation Rate

46%

Receive Financial Aid

25%

Avg Aid Amount

N/A

Program-Level ROI

Program 4yr Cost Median Earnings (5yr) Est. 20yr ROI
Business Administration, Management and Operations $40,468 $107,315 3474%
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management $40,468 $71,427 1700%
Communication and Media Studies $40,468 $49,010 592%
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other $40,468 $44,070 348%
Finance and Financial Management Services $40,468 $62,236 1246%
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas $40,468 $42,729 282%
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology $40,468 $64,211 1344%
Social Work $40,468 $58,210 1047%
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing $40,468 $74,157 1835%
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $40,468 $42,417 267%
Criminal Justice and Corrections $40,468 $70,283 1644%
Biology, General $40,468 $57,880 1031%
Marketing $40,468 $59,442 1108%
Educational Administration and Supervision $40,468 $100,907 3157%
Accounting and Related Services $40,468 $63,825 1325%
Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language $40,468 $0 N/A
Psychology, General $40,468 $44,730 381%
Special Education and Teaching $40,468 $60,952 1183%
Student Counseling and Personnel Services $40,468 $46,395 463%
Mechanical Engineering $40,468 $78,056 2028%
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services $40,468 $43,277 309%
Political Science and Government $40,468 $44,544 372%
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions $40,468 $52,154 748%
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions $40,468 $47,000 493%

Peer Comparison

Saint Cloud State University Current

504%

20yr ROI

University of Northern Iowa

528%

20yr ROI

Indiana University-Indianapolis

482%

20yr ROI

University of Kentucky

364%

20yr ROI

SUNY Brockport

601%

20yr ROI

Financial Aid Impact

Before Aid

4-Year Tuition$40,468
Median Debt$21,058

After Aid (Estimated)

Estimated Total Aid$0
Net 4-Year Cost$40,468

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on government data, Saint Cloud State University has an estimated 20-year ROI of 504%. The total 4-year cost is $40,468 and graduates earn a median of $47,215 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.

Back to Saint Cloud State University Colleges in Minnesota Compare Schools ROI Rankings