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Return on Investment Analysis

Syracuse University 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 Syracuse University costs about $252,244 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $60,459 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 9.9 years (20-year ROI: 102%).

ROI Summary

Total 4-Year Cost

$252,244

In-state tuition x 4

Earnings Premium

$25,459/yr

above high school diploma avg

Break-Even Point

9.9 years

After graduation

20-Year ROI

102%

Return on investment

ROI Analysis

Syracuse University's annual tuition is $63,061. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median of $50,956. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $60,459, and ten years after, earnings reach $79,164. The median debt for graduates is $26,000, and 34.4% of students receive financial aid.

Based on the provided data, the earnings one year after graduation are less than the annual tuition cost. The five-year earnings are also less than the total cost of tuition over five years. However, the ten-year earnings are greater than the annual tuition cost.

The data does not provide enough information to calculate a debt-to-income ratio or a break-even timeline.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

The Numbers

Annual Tuition (In-State)

$63,061

Median Debt at Graduation

$26,000

Median Earnings (5yr)

$60,459

Graduation Rate

82%

Receive Financial Aid

34%

Avg Aid Amount

N/A

Program-Level ROI

Program 4yr Cost Median Earnings (5yr) Est. 20yr ROI
Business Administration, Management and Operations $252,244 $103,505 443%
Computer and Information Sciences, General $252,244 $0 N/A
Information Science/Studies $252,244 $115,010 534%
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication $252,244 $71,592 190%
Economics $252,244 $70,698 183%
Psychology, General $252,244 $53,593 47%
Public Administration $252,244 $93,872 367%
Finance and Financial Management Services $252,244 $91,086 345%
Political Science and Government $252,244 $59,450 94%
International Relations and National Security Studies $252,244 $67,020 154%
Journalism $252,244 $62,752 120%
Accounting and Related Services $252,244 $88,160 321%
Health and Physical Education/Fitness $252,244 $59,233 92%
Law $252,244 $84,748 294%
Marketing $252,244 $68,357 164%
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication $252,244 $55,339 61%
Communication and Media Studies $252,244 $53,833 49%
Architectural Sciences and Technology $252,244 $0 N/A
Library Science and Administration $252,244 $54,932 58%
Mechanical Engineering $252,244 $90,527 340%
Biology, General $252,244 $54,536 55%
Design and Applied Arts $252,244 $58,439 86%
Social Work $252,244 $55,715 64%
Security Science and Technology $252,244 $62,123 115%

Peer Comparison

Syracuse University Current

102%

20yr ROI

Texas Christian University

122%

20yr ROI

Barnard College

92%

20yr ROI

Saint Mary's College of California

126%

20yr ROI

Wesleyan University

89%

20yr ROI

Financial Aid Impact

Before Aid

4-Year Tuition$252,244
Median Debt$26,000

After Aid (Estimated)

Estimated Total Aid$0
Net 4-Year Cost$252,244

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on government data, Syracuse University has an estimated 20-year ROI of 102%. The total 4-year cost is $252,244 and graduates earn a median of $60,459 within 5 years.

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.

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