South University-West Palm Beach ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$72,952
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$-885/yr
below high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
N/A years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
-124%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
The average in-state tuition at South University-West Palm Beach is $18,238. One year after graduation, the average earnings are $55,439. However, five years after graduation, earnings decrease to $34,115, and increase slightly to $34,421 ten years after graduation. The median debt for graduates is $26,123, and 65.4% of students receive financial aid.
Given the tuition cost and one-year earnings, the initial return on investment appears positive. However, the decline in earnings in the fifth year suggests potential challenges in long-term career outcomes. The high percentage of students receiving aid indicates a significant reliance on financial assistance to cover tuition costs.
With a median debt of $26,123 and an average salary of $34,115 five years after graduation, the debt-to-income ratio is approximately 0.76. Without additional data, calculating a precise break-even timeline is difficult. However, the relatively low graduation rate of 13.5% and the decline in earnings after the first year suggest that students may face challenges in completing their programs and achieving consistent income growth.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$18,238
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,123
Median Earnings (5yr)
$34,115
Graduation Rate
14%
Receive Financial Aid
65%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $106,747 | 1867% |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $54,350 | 430% |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services | $43,365 | 129% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $55,109 | 451% |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions | $43,411 | 131% |
| Public Health | $0 | N/A |
| Psychology, General | $36,910 | -48% |
| Legal Support Services | $38,332 | -9% |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $42,478 | 105% |
| Theological and Ministerial Studies | $0 | N/A |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions | $0 | N/A |
Peer Comparison
0%
20yr ROI
0%
20yr ROI
0%
20yr ROI
0%
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0%
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.