Spelman College ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$120,232
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$10,676/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
11.3 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
78%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Spelman College's in-state tuition is $30,058. One year after graduation, alumni earn $33,611. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $45,676, and after ten years, earnings are $59,993. The median debt for students is $25,000, and 57.7% of students receive financial aid.
The debt-to-income ratio, comparing the median debt to the one-year earnings, is approximately 0.74. This is calculated by dividing the median debt of $25,000 by the one-year earnings of $33,611.
Based on the provided data, it would take approximately 2.2 years for a graduate to earn an amount equal to their median debt. This is calculated by dividing the median debt of $25,000 by the one-year earnings of $33,611.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$30,058
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
Median Earnings (5yr)
$45,676
Graduation Rate
75%
Receive Financial Aid
58%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General | $43,305 | 38% |
| Political Science and Government | $47,045 | 100% |
| Biology, General | $36,086 | -82% |
| Economics | $67,871 | 447% |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General | $0 | N/A |
| English Language and Literature, General | $45,615 | 77% |
| Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies | $47,149 | 102% |
| International/Global Studies | $62,129 | 351% |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $0 | N/A |
| Mathematics | $0 | N/A |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $0 | N/A |
| Sociology | $0 | N/A |
Peer Comparison
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.