San Diego State University
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$33,160
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$17,620/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
1.9 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
963%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
San Diego State University's in-state tuition costs $8,290 per year. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median of $42,235. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $52,620, and ten years after, they reach $64,909. The median debt for graduates is $15,000.
The provided data does not include debt-to-income ratios or a break-even timeline. However, the data shows that the median earnings one year after graduation are nearly five times the annual tuition cost.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$8,290
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,000
Median Earnings (5yr)
$52,620
Graduation Rate
78%
Receive Financial Aid
23%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $33,160 | $66,177 | 1780% |
| Psychology, General. | $33,160 | $37,078 | 25% |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | $33,160 | $45,819 | 553% |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | $33,160 | $49,823 | 794% |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | $33,160 | $39,325 | 161% |
| Mechanical Engineering. | $33,160 | $91,140 | 3286% |
| Biology, General. | $33,160 | $55,383 | 1129% |
| Economics. | $33,160 | $61,799 | 1516% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $33,160 | $96,266 | 3595% |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | $33,160 | $48,538 | 717% |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | $33,160 | $23,720 | N/A |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | $33,160 | $38,874 | 134% |
Peer Comparison
963%
20yr ROI
1089%
20yr ROI
642%
20yr ROI
707%
20yr ROI
152%
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.