Shorter 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
$96,176
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$6,860/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
14 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
43%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Shorter University's in-state tuition is $24,044. One year after graduation, alumni earn $38,589. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $41,860, and after ten years, earnings are $44,604. The median debt for graduates is $25,000, and 49.2% of students receive financial aid.
The data does not provide enough information to calculate a debt-to-income ratio or a break-even timeline.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$24,044
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
Median Earnings (5yr)
$41,860
Graduation Rate
34%
Receive Financial Aid
49%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $56,329 | 344% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $67,646 | 579% |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $43,892 | 85% |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $45,143 | 111% |
| Human Services, General | $33,307 | N/A |
| Accounting and Related Services | $0 | N/A |
| Religion/Religious Studies | $0 | N/A |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $35,821 | -83% |
| Biology, General | $0 | N/A |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $47,231 | 154% |
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General | $0 | N/A |
| Music | $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.