University at Buffalo
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$43,128
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$18,742/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
2.3 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
769%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Graduates of the University at Buffalo earn a median of $44,259 one year after graduation. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $53,742, and after ten years, earnings reach $70,814. The median debt for graduates is $19,000. 40.9% of students receive financial aid.
The annual in-state tuition cost is $10,782. The university has a 73.5% graduation rate and an 84.5% retention rate. The acceptance rate is 69.3%, and the total student population is 20,284.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$10,782
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,000
Median Earnings (5yr)
$53,742
Graduation Rate
74%
Receive Financial Aid
41%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $43,128 | $58,621 | 995% |
| Psychology, General. | $43,128 | $45,154 | 371% |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | $43,128 | $0 | N/A |
| Communication and Media Studies. | $43,128 | $47,922 | 499% |
| Social Sciences, General. | $43,128 | $46,357 | 427% |
| Biology, General. | $43,128 | $48,106 | 508% |
| Mechanical Engineering. | $43,128 | $74,299 | 1722% |
| Social Work. | $43,128 | $51,238 | 653% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $43,128 | $90,100 | 2455% |
| Sociology. | $43,128 | $49,556 | 575% |
| Medicine. | $43,128 | $0 | N/A |
| Law. | $43,128 | $79,742 | 1975% |
Peer Comparison
769%
20yr ROI
119%
20yr ROI
1004%
20yr ROI
388%
20yr ROI
490%
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.