University at Albany ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$41,632
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$16,380/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
2.5 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
687%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
One year after graduation, University at Albany alumni earn a median salary of $38,469. Five years after graduation, the median salary increases to $51,380, and after ten years, the median salary is $67,979. The average in-state tuition is $10,408. The median debt for graduates is $19,500, and 52.4% of students receive financial aid.
Based on the provided data, the debt-to-income ratio for a graduate one year after graduation is approximately 0.51. This is calculated by dividing the median debt of $19,500 by the one-year earnings of $38,469.
To calculate the break-even timeline, the median debt of $19,500 is divided by the difference between the one-year earnings of $38,469 and the tuition cost of $10,408. This calculation results in a break-even timeline of approximately 0.7 years.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$10,408
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,500
Median Earnings (5yr)
$51,380
Graduation Rate
65%
Receive Financial Aid
52%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $109,805 | 3494% |
| Psychology, General | $49,362 | 590% |
| Economics | $58,487 | 1028% |
| Communication and Media Studies | $0 | N/A |
| Biology, General | $46,952 | 474% |
| Homeland Security | $0 | N/A |
| Sociology | $47,666 | 508% |
| Public Health | $70,536 | 1607% |
| Human Biology | $0 | N/A |
| Accounting and Related Services | $87,777 | 2435% |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $0 | N/A |
| Social Work | $58,172 | 1013% |
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.