San Francisco 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 Francisco State University costs about $29,696 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $52,650 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 1.7 years (20-year ROI: 1089%).
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$29,696
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$17,650/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
1.7 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
1089%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
San Francisco State University's in-state tuition costs $7,424. One year after graduation, alumni earn $41,145. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $52,650, and after ten years, earnings reach $68,077. The median debt for graduates is $15,371, and 25.4% of students receive financial aid.
The data does not provide enough information to calculate a debt-to-income ratio or a break-even timeline. However, the one-year earnings are more than five times the tuition cost.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$7,424
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,371
Median Earnings (5yr)
$52,650
Graduation Rate
52%
Receive Financial Aid
25%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
Peer Comparison
1089%
20yr ROI
963%
20yr ROI
707%
20yr ROI
642%
20yr ROI
152%
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.