Skip to main content
Return on Investment Analysis

University of California-Irvine 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-Irvine costs about $56,948 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $56,210 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 2.7 years (20-year ROI: 645%).

ROI Summary

Total 4-Year Cost

$56,948

In-state tuition x 4

Earnings Premium

$21,210/yr

above 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 students earn a median of $40,474, which increases to $56,210 after five years and $80,735 after ten years. The in-state tuition cost is $14,237. The median debt for students is $15,000, and 21.8% of students receive financial aid.

The debt-to-income ratio for a graduate one year after graduation is approximately 37%. This is calculated by dividing the median debt of $15,000 by the one-year earnings of $40,474.

Based on the provided data, it would take less than one year for a graduate to earn an amount equal to their median debt. This is calculated by dividing the median debt of $15,000 by the one-year earnings of $40,474.

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

N/A

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%
Business Administration, Management and Operations $56,948 $129,880 3232%
Economics $56,948 $63,977 918%
Criminology $56,948 $80,630 1503%
Education, General $56,948 $52,320 508%
Computer Engineering $56,948 $100,156 2188%
Mathematics $56,948 $70,461 1145%
Mechanical Engineering $56,948 $106,395 2407%
Political Science and Government $56,948 $55,323 614%
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods $56,948 $0 N/A
Psychology, General $56,948 $45,212 259%
Sociology $56,948 $48,998 392%
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $56,948 $72,802 1228%
Chemistry $56,948 $92,728 1927%
International/Global Studies $56,948 $57,030 674%
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $56,948 $93,730 1963%
Biomedical/Medical Engineering $56,948 $82,806 1579%
English Language and Literature, General $56,948 $45,524 270%
Law $56,948 $118,723 2840%
Civil Engineering $56,948 $86,209 1698%
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration $56,948 $50,557 446%

Peer Comparison

Financial Aid Impact

Before Aid

4-Year Tuition$56,948
Median Debt$15,000

After Aid (Estimated)

Estimated Total Aid$0
Net 4-Year Cost$56,948

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on government data, University of California-Irvine has an estimated 20-year ROI of 645%. The total 4-year cost is $56,948 and graduates earn a median of $56,210 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-Irvine Colleges in California Compare Schools ROI Rankings