Salem University
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$43,000
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$-3,388/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
N/A years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
-258%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Graduates of Salem University have a mixed return on investment. The one-year earnings of $45,415 are more than four times the annual tuition cost of $10,750. However, five-year earnings drop to $31,612, and ten-year earnings are $34,642. The median debt of $24,694 is less than the one-year earnings.
The debt-to-income ratio is favorable in the first year, but declines over time. The median debt of $24,694 is 54% of the one-year earnings. The debt is 78% of the five-year earnings. The debt is 71% of the ten-year earnings.
Given the tuition cost and earnings data, the break-even timeline is less than one year. However, the low retention and graduation rates suggest that many students do not complete their degrees.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$10,750
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,694
Median Earnings (5yr)
$31,612
Graduation Rate
28%
Receive Financial Aid
67%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $43,000 | $33,269 | N/A |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $43,000 | $0 | N/A |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $43,000 | $50,385 | 616% |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | $43,000 | $0 | N/A |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | $43,000 | $0 | N/A |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | $43,000 | $35,513 | -76% |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | $43,000 | $36,756 | -18% |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | $43,000 | $0 | N/A |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | $43,000 | $0 | N/A |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $43,000 | $0 | N/A |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | $43,000 | $63,972 | 1248% |
| Biology, General. | $43,000 | $0 | N/A |
Peer Comparison
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.