Sam Houston State University ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$36,912
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$10,337/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
3.6 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
460%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Graduates of Sam Houston State University have a positive return on investment. The average graduate earns $41,979 one year after graduation, which increases to $54,211 ten years after graduation. The median debt for graduates is $21,983.
The debt-to-income ratio for Sam Houston State University graduates is favorable. With a median debt of $21,983 and an average salary of $41,979 one year after graduation, the debt-to-income ratio is approximately 0.52.
Given the tuition cost of $9,228 and the average salary of $41,979 one year after graduation, the break-even timeline is less than one year.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$9,228
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,983
Median Earnings (5yr)
$45,337
Graduation Rate
56%
Receive Financial Aid
46%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $76,474 | 2147% |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $50,048 | 715% |
| Business/Commerce, General | $51,512 | 795% |
| Psychology, General | $43,146 | 341% |
| Communication and Media Studies | $45,930 | 492% |
| Accounting and Related Services | $86,502 | 2691% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $92,470 | 3014% |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $46,419 | 519% |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $61,212 | 1320% |
| Curriculum and Instruction | $53,329 | 893% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $76,500 | 2149% |
| Public Health | $0 | N/A |
Peer Comparison
460%
20yr ROI
449%
20yr ROI
238%
20yr ROI
382%
20yr ROI
395%
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.