Return on Investment Analysis

University of California-Davis ROI Analysis

Q: How long does it take to break even on a University of California-Davis degree?

The estimated break-even point for a degree from University of California-Davis is 2.6 years after graduation, based on the earnings premium over a high school diploma.

Q: What is the total cost of attending University of California-Davis?

The estimated 4-year in-state tuition cost at University of California-Davis is $60,988 ($15,247 per year). 23% of students receive financial aid.

Q: What do University of California-Davis graduates earn?

The median earnings for University of California-Davis graduates 5 years after enrollment is $58,461. This is $23,461 above the national average for high school diploma holders.

Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.

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%
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services	$60,988	$0	N/A
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%

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

Is University of California-Davis worth the cost?

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.

How long does it take to break even on a University of California-Davis degree?

What is the total cost of attending University of California-Davis?

What do University of California-Davis graduates earn?

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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