Shepherd 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
$34,568
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$8,726/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
4 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
405%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
The average annual in-state tuition at Shepherd University is $8642. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median of $43801. Five years after graduation, the median earnings are $43726, and ten years after graduation, the median earnings are $49358. The median debt for graduates is $21600, and 41.1% of students receive financial aid.
Based on the provided data, the debt-to-income ratio for a Shepherd University graduate one year after graduation is approximately 0.49. This is calculated by dividing the median debt of $21600 by the one-year earnings of $43801.
To calculate the break-even point, we can divide the median debt by the difference between the one-year earnings and the tuition cost. This calculation suggests a break-even timeline of approximately 0.6 years.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$8,642
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,600
Median Earnings (5yr)
$43,726
Graduation Rate
49%
Receive Financial Aid
41%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $53,391 | 964% |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $46,744 | 579% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $71,847 | 2032% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $44,094 | 426% |
| Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies | $44,875 | 471% |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $68,435 | 1834% |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $39,392 | 154% |
| Biology, General | $0 | N/A |
| Communication and Media Studies | $36,731 | 0% |
| Social Work | $45,931 | 532% |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | $43,029 | 365% |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General | $0 | N/A |
Peer Comparison
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.