Southern Illinois University-Carbondale ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$52,976
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$8,087/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
6.6 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
205%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
The average in-state tuition at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale is $13,244. One year after graduation, the median earnings are $42,911. Five years after graduation, the median earnings are $43,087, and ten years after graduation, the median earnings are $53,390. The median debt for students is $21,543, and 48.1% of students receive financial aid.
The debt-to-income ratio, calculated by dividing the median debt by the one-year earnings, is approximately 0.5. The break-even point, which is the time it takes for the cumulative earnings to surpass the tuition cost, is less than one year.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$13,244
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,543
Median Earnings (5yr)
$43,087
Graduation Rate
53%
Receive Financial Aid
48%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $60,744 | 872% |
| Air Transportation | $73,930 | 1370% |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions | $116,291 | 2969% |
| Accounting and Related Services | $69,339 | 1196% |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $44,205 | 248% |
| Social Work | $49,106 | 433% |
| Psychology, General | $39,760 | 80% |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians | $62,784 | 949% |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians | $70,569 | 1243% |
| Law | $64,069 | 997% |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $47,541 | 373% |
| Criminology | $50,711 | 493% |
Peer Comparison
205%
20yr ROI
792%
20yr ROI
707%
20yr ROI
51%
20yr ROI
374%
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.