Santa Clara 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
$236,964
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$56,198/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
4.2 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
374%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Santa Clara University's high tuition of $59,241 is offset by strong earnings potential for graduates. One year after graduation, the median salary is $72,660, exceeding the tuition cost. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $91,198, and after ten years, graduates earn a median of $109,183. The median debt for students is $19,162, with 24.5% of students receiving financial aid.
The debt-to-income ratio is favorable. With a median debt of $19,162 and a starting salary of $72,660, the debt represents a small fraction of the annual income. The break-even point, or the time it takes to earn back the tuition cost, is less than one year based on the first-year earnings.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$59,241
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,162
Median Earnings (5yr)
$91,198
Graduation Rate
89%
Receive Financial Aid
25%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Engineering | $159,782 | 953% |
| Law | $128,612 | 690% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $160,757 | 961% |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $106,444 | 503% |
| Accounting and Related Services | $101,411 | 461% |
| Communication and Media Studies | $71,818 | 211% |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology | $78,513 | 267% |
| Psychology, General | $58,545 | 99% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $69,711 | 193% |
| Economics | $102,794 | 472% |
| Marketing | $79,997 | 280% |
| Mathematics and Computer Science | $0 | N/A |
Peer Comparison
374%
20yr ROI
403%
20yr ROI
713%
20yr ROI
320%
20yr ROI
354%
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.