The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$187,280
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$4,707/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
39.8 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
-50%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
The Cooper Union's in-state tuition is $46,820. One year after graduation, alumni earn $30,990. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $39,707, and after ten years, earnings reach $83,847. The median debt for graduates is $15,000, and 20.8% of students receive financial aid.
Given the median debt of $15,000 and the one-year earnings of $30,990, the debt-to-income ratio is approximately 0.48. This is calculated by dividing the median debt by the one-year earnings.
Based on the provided data, a break-even timeline cannot be calculated. The data does not include the total cost of attendance, including living expenses, nor does it include the annual payment on the median debt.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$46,820
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,000
Median Earnings (5yr)
$39,707
Graduation Rate
82%
Receive Financial Aid
21%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Fine and Studio Arts | $22,205 | N/A |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering | $0 | N/A |
| Mechanical Engineering | $0 | N/A |
| Civil Engineering | $0 | N/A |
| Chemical Engineering | $0 | N/A |
| Architecture | $0 | N/A |
| Engineering, General | $0 | N/A |
| Astronomy and Astrophysics | $0 | N/A |
Peer Comparison
-50%
20yr ROI
11%
20yr ROI
151%
20yr ROI
-29%
20yr ROI
-24%
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.