San Jose State University
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$31,968
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$27,448/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
1.2 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
1617%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
San Jose State University's in-state tuition costs $7,992. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median of $58,993. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $62,448, and after ten years, earnings reach $78,988. The median debt for students is $15,000, and 20.8% 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 significantly higher than the median debt, suggesting a potentially favorable return on investment.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$7,992
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,000
Median Earnings (5yr)
$62,448
Graduation Rate
66%
Receive Financial Aid
21%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $31,968 | $67,641 | 1942% |
| Library Science and Administration. | $31,968 | $61,222 | 1541% |
| Computer Engineering. | $31,968 | $0 | N/A |
| Psychology, General. | $31,968 | $55,532 | 1185% |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | $31,968 | $40,789 | 262% |
| Computer Engineering. | $31,968 | $127,047 | 5659% |
| Communication and Media Studies. | $31,968 | $60,813 | 1515% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | $31,968 | $0 | N/A |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | $31,968 | $58,866 | 1393% |
| Education, General. | $31,968 | $0 | N/A |
| Public Health. | $31,968 | $0 | N/A |
| Mechanical Engineering. | $31,968 | $95,510 | 3686% |
Peer Comparison
1617%
20yr ROI
640%
20yr ROI
150%
20yr ROI
135%
20yr ROI
1240%
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.