University of California-Irvine
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$56,948
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$21,210/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
2.7 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
645%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
One year after graduation, University of California-Irvine alumni earn a median of $40,474, which is approximately 2.8 times the in-state tuition cost of $14,237. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $56,210, and ten years after graduation, earnings reach $80,735. The median debt for graduates is $15,000, and 21.8% of students receive financial aid.
The debt-to-income ratio for University of California-Irvine graduates is favorable. With a median debt of $15,000 and a starting salary of $40,474, the debt represents approximately 37% of the first year's earnings. This suggests graduates can manage their debt relatively well.
Given the earnings data and tuition cost, the break-even point, or the time it takes to earn back the tuition cost, is less than one year. The average graduate earns more than the tuition cost in their first year of employment.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$14,237
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,000
Median Earnings (5yr)
$56,210
Graduation Rate
86%
Receive Financial Aid
22%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biology, General. | $56,948 | $48,182 | 363% |
| Research and Experimental Psychology. | $56,948 | $50,813 | 455% |
| Business/Managerial Economics. | $56,948 | $66,614 | 1010% |
| Public Health. | $56,948 | $53,761 | 559% |
| Economics. | $56,948 | $63,977 | 918% |
| Criminology. | $56,948 | $50,638 | 449% |
| Education, General. | $56,948 | $52,320 | 508% |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | $56,948 | $0 | N/A |
| Political Science and Government. | $56,948 | $55,323 | 614% |
| Psychology, General. | $56,948 | $45,212 | 259% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $56,948 | $70,854 | 1159% |
| Mathematics. | $56,948 | $70,461 | 1145% |
Peer Comparison
645%
20yr ROI
0%
20yr ROI
1577%
20yr ROI
2660%
20yr ROI
1119%
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.