SUNY Buffalo State University
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$33,944
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$5,877/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
5.8 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
246%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
The average in-state tuition at SUNY Buffalo State is $8,486. One year after graduation, alumni earn an average of $35,096. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $40,877, and ten years after graduation, earnings reach $52,334. The median debt for students is $21,028, and 52.9% of students receive financial aid.
Based on the provided data, the debt-to-income ratio is approximately 60% one year after graduation, calculated by dividing the median debt by the one-year earnings. The five-year earnings are roughly double the median debt. The ten-year earnings are more than double the median debt.
To calculate the break-even timeline, we can divide the median debt by the difference between the one-year earnings and the tuition cost. This calculation suggests a break-even point of approximately one year.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$8,486
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,028
Median Earnings (5yr)
$40,877
Graduation Rate
36%
Receive Financial Aid
53%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $33,944 | $50,668 | 823% |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | $33,944 | $50,353 | 805% |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | $33,944 | $36,769 | 4% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | $33,944 | $41,942 | 309% |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | $33,944 | $0 | N/A |
| Psychology, General. | $33,944 | $39,963 | 192% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | $33,944 | $50,393 | 807% |
| Information Science/Studies. | $33,944 | $58,684 | 1295% |
| Social Work. | $33,944 | $42,984 | 370% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | $33,944 | $0 | N/A |
| Apparel and Textiles. | $33,944 | $0 | N/A |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. | $33,944 | $0 | N/A |
Peer Comparison
246%
20yr ROI
267%
20yr ROI
186%
20yr ROI
402%
20yr ROI
233%
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.