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Return on Investment Analysis

University of California-Davis 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 University of California-Davis costs about $60,988 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $58,461 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 2.6 years (20-year ROI: 669%).

ROI Summary

Total 4-Year Cost

$60,988

In-state tuition x 4

Earnings Premium

$23,461/yr

above high school diploma avg

Break-Even Point

2.6 years

After graduation

20-Year ROI

669%

Return on investment

ROI Analysis

The University of California-Davis has a strong return on investment. One year after graduation, the median earnings are $41,123, which increases to $58,461 after five years and $80,838 after ten years. The median debt for graduates is $13,000.

The debt-to-income ratio is favorable. The median debt of $13,000 is a small fraction of the one-year earnings of $41,123.

Given the tuition cost of $15,247 and the one-year earnings of $41,123, the break-even point is within the first year of employment.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

The Numbers

Annual Tuition (In-State)

$15,247

Median Debt at Graduation

$13,000

Median Earnings (5yr)

$58,461

Graduation Rate

86%

Receive Financial Aid

23%

Avg Aid Amount

N/A

Program-Level ROI

Program 4yr Cost Median Earnings (5yr) Est. 20yr ROI
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods $60,988 $0 N/A
Research and Experimental Psychology $60,988 $53,955 522%
Economics $60,988 $71,906 1110%
Neurobiology and Neurosciences $60,988 $51,750 449%
Biology, General $60,988 $56,137 593%
Animal Sciences $60,988 $42,226 137%
Communication and Media Studies $60,988 $60,820 747%
Natural Resources Conservation and Research $60,988 $63,206 825%
Sociology $60,988 $50,561 410%
Political Science and Government $60,988 $54,795 549%
Civil Engineering $60,988 $91,778 1762%
Design and Applied Arts $60,988 $55,388 569%
Statistics $60,988 $80,650 1397%
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology $60,988 $65,761 909%
Mechanical Engineering $60,988 $86,137 1577%
English Language and Literature, General $60,988 $79,229 1350%
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies $60,988 $46,911 291%
Nutrition Sciences $60,988 $53,852 518%
International Relations and National Security Studies $60,988 $58,151 659%
Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences $60,988 $49,781 385%
Law $60,988 $105,663 2217%
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics $60,988 $42,942 160%
Chemical Engineering $60,988 $90,820 1731%
Food Science and Technology $60,988 $69,168 1020%

Peer Comparison

University of California-Davis Current

669%

20yr ROI

Clemson University

649%

20yr ROI

SUNY Polytechnic Institute

1279%

20yr ROI

Chapman University

84%

20yr ROI

University of Delaware

641%

20yr ROI

Financial Aid Impact

Before Aid

4-Year Tuition$60,988
Median Debt$13,000

After Aid (Estimated)

Estimated Total Aid$0
Net 4-Year Cost$60,988

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on government data, University of California-Davis has an estimated 20-year ROI of 669%. The total 4-year cost is $60,988 and graduates earn a median of $58,461 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.

Back to University of California-Davis Colleges in California Compare Schools ROI Rankings