Return on Investment Analysis

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology ROI Analysis

Q: How long does it take to break even on a South Dakota School of Mines and Technology degree?

The estimated break-even point for a degree from South Dakota School of Mines and Technology is 1.5 years after graduation, based on the earnings premium over a high school diploma.

Q: What is the total cost of attending South Dakota School of Mines and Technology?

The estimated 4-year in-state tuition cost at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology is $41,600 ($10,400 per year). 43% of students receive financial aid.

Q: What do South Dakota School of Mines and Technology graduates earn?

The median earnings for South Dakota School of Mines and Technology graduates 5 years after enrollment is $62,863. This is $27,863 above the national average for high school diploma holders.

Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.

ROI Summary

Total 4-Year Cost

$41,600

In-state tuition x 4

Earnings Premium

$27,863/yr

above high school diploma avg

Break-Even Point

1.5 years

After graduation

20-Year ROI

1240%

Return on investment

ROI Analysis

One year after graduation, the median salary for South Dakota School of Mines and Technology graduates is $71,587. The median debt for graduates is $27,000. The average in-state tuition is $10,400. 43.3% of students receive financial aid.

Five years after graduation, the median salary is $62,863. Ten years after graduation, the median salary is $72,257. The school's graduation rate is 57%, and the retention rate is 84.1%.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

The Numbers

Annual Tuition (In-State)

$10,400

Median Debt at Graduation

$27,000

Median Earnings (5yr)

$62,863

Graduation Rate

57%

Receive Financial Aid

43%

Avg Aid Amount

N/A

Program-Level ROI

Program	4yr Cost	Median Earnings (5yr)	Est. 20yr ROI
Mechanical Engineering	$41,600	$80,766	2100%
Civil Engineering	$41,600	$70,318	1598%
Chemical Engineering	$41,600	$0	N/A
Industrial Engineering	$41,600	$0	N/A
Computer and Information Sciences, General	$41,600	$96,987	2880%
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering	$41,600	$0	N/A
Mining and Mineral Engineering	$41,600	$0	N/A
Geological/Geophysical Engineering	$41,600	$0	N/A
Metallurgical Engineering	$41,600	$0	N/A
Biotechnology	$41,600	$0	N/A
Engineering-Related Fields	$41,600	$0	N/A
Computer Engineering	$41,600	$0	N/A

Peer Comparison

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Current

1240%

20yr ROI

William & Mary

458%

20yr ROI

University of Washington-Seattle Campus

1007%

20yr ROI

University of Washington-Bothell Campus

1014%

20yr ROI

University of Washington-Tacoma Campus

991%

20yr ROI

Financial Aid Impact

Before Aid

4-Year Tuition$41,600

Median Debt$27,000

After Aid (Estimated)

Estimated Total Aid$0

Net 4-Year Cost$41,600

Frequently Asked Questions

Is South Dakota School of Mines and Technology worth the cost?

Based on government data, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology has an estimated 20-year ROI of 1240%. The total 4-year cost is $41,600 and graduates earn a median of $62,863 within 5 years.

How long does it take to break even on a South Dakota School of Mines and Technology degree?

What is the total cost of attending South Dakota School of Mines and Technology?

What do South Dakota School of Mines and Technology graduates earn?

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.

Back to South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Colleges in South Dakota Compare Schools ROI Rankings