Shepherd University
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
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
4 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
405%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
The median debt for Shepherd University graduates is $21,600. The one-year earnings after graduation are $43,801. The debt-to-income ratio is approximately 0.49.
The average in-state tuition is $8,642. The five-year earnings are $43,726, and the ten-year earnings are $49,358.
Based on the provided data, the break-even timeline, or the time it takes for a graduate to earn the equivalent of their debt, is approximately six months.
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
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | $34,568 | $46,744 | 579% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $34,568 | $71,847 | 2032% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | $34,568 | $44,094 | 426% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $34,568 | $53,391 | 964% |
| Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies. | $34,568 | $44,875 | 471% |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | $34,568 | $68,435 | 1834% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $34,568 | $0 | N/A |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | $34,568 | $39,392 | 154% |
| Biology, General. | $34,568 | $0 | N/A |
| Communication and Media Studies. | $34,568 | $36,731 | 0% |
| Social Work. | $34,568 | $45,931 | 532% |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | $34,568 | $0 | N/A |
Peer Comparison
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.