San Jose State 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
$31,968
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$27,448/yr
above 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 graduates is $15,000, and 20.8% of students receive financial aid.
The debt-to-income ratio for graduates is approximately 0.26, calculated by dividing the median debt of $15,000 by the one-year earnings of $58,993. This indicates that the debt is a relatively small portion of the graduates' annual income.
Based on the provided data, the break-even timeline, which is the time it takes for the increased earnings to offset the tuition cost, is less than one year. The difference between the one-year earnings of $58,993 and the tuition cost of $7,992 is a positive value, indicating a quick 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
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $128,026 | 5720% |
| Computer Engineering | $127,047 | 5659% |
| Library Science and Administration | $61,222 | 1541% |
| Psychology, General | $55,532 | 1185% |
| Communication and Media Studies | $60,813 | 1515% |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $40,789 | 262% |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering | $123,144 | 5415% |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $58,866 | 1393% |
| Public Health | $74,606 | 2378% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $72,895 | 2271% |
| Mechanical Engineering | $95,510 | 3686% |
| Social Work | $91,003 | 3404% |
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)
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.