Southern Illinois University Edwardsville 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 Edwardsville costs about $51,688 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $46,384 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 4.5 years (20-year ROI: 340%).
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$51,688
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$11,384/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
4.5 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
340%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's in-state tuition is $12,922. One year after graduation, alumni earn $48,249. Five years after graduation, earnings are $46,384, and ten years after graduation, earnings increase to $56,346. The median debt for graduates is $20,500, and 40.4% of students receive financial aid.
The debt-to-income ratio, calculated by dividing the median debt by the one-year earnings, is approximately 0.42. This suggests that the debt is less than half of the annual income one year after graduation.
To calculate the break-even point, we can estimate the time it takes for the increased earnings to cover the tuition cost. With a tuition cost of $12,922 and an average annual salary increase of approximately $3,000 between the first and tenth year, the break-even point is likely within the first few years after graduation.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$12,922
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,500
Median Earnings (5yr)
$46,384
Graduation Rate
54%
Receive Financial Aid
40%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
Peer Comparison
340%
20yr ROI
548%
20yr ROI
676%
20yr ROI
531%
20yr ROI
679%
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.