Samford 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
$152,576
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$14,466/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
10.5 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
90%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Samford University's in-state tuition is $38,144. One year after graduation, alumni earn $45,463. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $49,466, and after ten years, earnings reach $58,469. The median debt for students is $19,500, and 28.7% of students receive financial aid.
The debt-to-income ratio is calculated by dividing the median debt by the one-year earnings. For Samford University, this ratio is approximately 0.43. The break-even timeline, which is the time it takes for earnings to surpass the tuition cost, is less than one year.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$38,144
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,500
Median Earnings (5yr)
$49,466
Graduation Rate
79%
Receive Financial Aid
29%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration | $130,094 | 1147% |
| Law | $70,418 | 364% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $112,557 | 917% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $80,169 | 492% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $50,366 | 101% |
| Journalism | $47,836 | 68% |
| Marketing | $47,133 | 59% |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $70,946 | 371% |
| Educational Administration and Supervision | $90,732 | 631% |
| Accounting and Related Services | $73,641 | 407% |
| Theological and Ministerial Studies | $57,125 | 190% |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services | $37,344 | -69% |
Peer Comparison
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.