Saint Cloud State University
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$40,468
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$12,215/yr
vs 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
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | $40,468 | $45,391 | 414% |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | $40,468 | $62,236 | 1246% |
| Communication and Media Studies. | $40,468 | $49,010 | 592% |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | $40,468 | $44,070 | 348% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $40,468 | $74,157 | 1835% |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | $40,468 | $71,427 | 1700% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | $40,468 | $42,417 | 267% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $40,468 | $54,327 | 855% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | $40,468 | $42,729 | 282% |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | $40,468 | $52,753 | 777% |
| Biology, General. | $40,468 | $57,880 | 1031% |
| Accounting and Related Services. | $40,468 | $63,825 | 1325% |
Peer Comparison
504%
20yr ROI
528%
20yr ROI
482%
20yr ROI
364%
20yr ROI
601%
20yr ROI
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.