Southwest Minnesota State University ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$41,216
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$8,282/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
5 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
302%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Southwest Minnesota State University's in-state tuition is $10,304. One year after graduation, the median earnings are $44,949. Five years after graduation, earnings are $43,282, and ten years after graduation, earnings are $51,342. The median debt for graduates is $20,500, and 15.3% of students receive financial aid.
The debt-to-income ratio for graduates is approximately 0.46, calculated by dividing the median debt of $20,500 by the one-year earnings of $44,949. 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.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$10,304
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,500
Median Earnings (5yr)
$43,282
Graduation Rate
42%
Receive Financial Aid
15%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Education, General | $56,794 | 958% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $70,502 | 1623% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $40,505 | 167% |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $44,463 | 359% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $71,933 | 1692% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $62,199 | 1220% |
| Special Education and Teaching | $0 | N/A |
| Psychology, General | $46,366 | 452% |
| Marketing | $50,032 | 629% |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $58,124 | 1022% |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $46,665 | 466% |
| Biology, General | $0 | N/A |
Peer Comparison
302%
20yr ROI
270%
20yr ROI
396%
20yr ROI
260%
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.