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Return on Investment Analysis

San Diego State University ROI Analysis

Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.

Quick answer

USACollegeData.com ROI analysis (College Scorecard data): four years at San Diego State University costs about $33,160 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $52,620 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 1.9 years (20-year ROI: 963%).

ROI Summary

Total 4-Year Cost

$33,160

In-state tuition x 4

Earnings Premium

$17,620/yr

above 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

N/A

Program-Level ROI

Program 4yr Cost Median Earnings (5yr) Est. 20yr ROI
Business Administration, Management and Operations $33,160 $103,447 4028%
Psychology, General $33,160 $37,078 25%
Health and Physical Education/Fitness $33,160 $45,819 553%
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $33,160 $40,772 248%
Mechanical Engineering $33,160 $91,140 3286%
Criminal Justice and Corrections $33,160 $49,823 794%
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other $33,160 $39,325 161%
Biology, General $33,160 $55,383 1129%
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing $33,160 $96,266 3595%
Economics $33,160 $61,799 1516%
Social Work $33,160 $65,641 1748%
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities $33,160 $48,538 717%
Fine and Studio Arts $33,160 $23,720 N/A
Communication and Media Studies $33,160 $75,736 2357%
Civil Engineering $33,160 $86,596 3012%
Public Health $33,160 $82,302 2753%
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services $33,160 $79,832 2604%
Education, General $33,160 $0 N/A
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $33,160 $90,947 3274%
Public Administration $33,160 $47,513 655%
International Business $33,160 $67,271 1846%
Journalism $33,160 $0 N/A
Nutrition Sciences $33,160 $0 N/A
Political Science and Government $33,160 $60,648 1447%

Peer Comparison

San Diego State University Current

963%

20yr ROI

San Francisco State University

1089%

20yr ROI

Texas Tech University

642%

20yr ROI

University of Iowa

707%

20yr ROI

Pacific Union College

152%

20yr ROI

Financial Aid Impact

Before Aid

4-Year Tuition$33,160
Median Debt$15,000

After Aid (Estimated)

Estimated Total Aid$0
Net 4-Year Cost$33,160

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on government data, San Diego State University has an estimated 20-year ROI of 963%. The total 4-year cost is $33,160 and graduates earn a median of $52,620 within 5 years.

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.

Back to San Diego State University Colleges in California Compare Schools ROI Rankings