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Return on Investment Analysis

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale ROI Analysis

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

Quick answer

USACollegeData.com ROI analysis (College Scorecard data): four years at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale costs about $52,976 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $43,087 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 6.6 years (20-year ROI: 205%).

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 4yr Cost Median Earnings (5yr) Est. 20yr ROI
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas $52,976 $60,744 872%
Air Transportation $52,976 $73,930 1370%
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions $52,976 $116,291 2969%
Accounting and Related Services $52,976 $69,339 1196%
Health and Medical Administrative Services $52,976 $44,205 248%
Social Work $52,976 $49,106 433%
Psychology, General $52,976 $39,760 80%
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians $52,976 $62,784 949%
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians $52,976 $70,569 1243%
Law $52,976 $64,069 997%
Health and Physical Education/Fitness $52,976 $47,541 373%
Criminology $52,976 $50,711 493%
Business Administration, Management and Operations $52,976 $66,136 1075%
Architecture $52,976 $75,673 1436%
Medicine $52,976 $121,006 3147%
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $52,976 $41,021 127%
Mechanical Engineering $52,976 $80,996 1636%
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $52,976 $77,944 1521%
Computer and Information Sciences, General $52,976 $0 N/A
Fire Protection $52,976 $0 N/A
Communication and Media Studies $52,976 $53,667 605%
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods $52,976 $54,553 638%
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions $52,976 $71,234 1268%
Zoology/Animal Biology $52,976 $35,205 -92%

Peer Comparison

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale Current

205%

20yr ROI

Western Carolina University

792%

20yr ROI

University of North Georgia

707%

20yr ROI

Millikin University

51%

20yr ROI

University of Central Oklahoma

374%

20yr ROI

Financial Aid Impact

Before Aid

4-Year Tuition$52,976
Median Debt$21,543

After Aid (Estimated)

Estimated Total Aid$0
Net 4-Year Cost$52,976

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on government data, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale has an estimated 20-year ROI of 205%. The total 4-year cost is $52,976 and graduates earn a median of $43,087 within 5 years.

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 Southern Illinois University-Carbondale Colleges in Illinois Compare Schools ROI Rankings