Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
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
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
6.6 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
205%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale's in-state tuition is $13,244. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median of $42,911. Five years after graduation, earnings are $43,087, and ten years after graduation, earnings increase to $53,390. The median debt for graduates is $21,543, and 48.1% of students receive financial aid.
The debt-to-income ratio for graduates is approximately 0.50, calculated by dividing the median debt of $21,543 by the one-year earnings of $42,911. The break-even point, or the time it takes to earn back the tuition cost, is less than one year, based on the one-year earnings of $42,911.
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
$0
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 | $59,650 | 831% |
| Accounting and Related Services. | $52,976 | $57,569 | 752% |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. | $52,976 | $70,569 | 1243% |
| Law. | $52,976 | $64,069 | 997% |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | $52,976 | $62,784 | 949% |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | $52,976 | $44,205 | 248% |
| Social Work. | $52,976 | $49,106 | 433% |
| Psychology, General. | $52,976 | $39,760 | 80% |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | $52,976 | $116,291 | 2969% |
| Criminology. | $52,976 | $50,711 | 493% |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | $52,976 | $40,396 | 104% |
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)
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.