Return on Investment Analysis

University of California-Los Angeles ROI Analysis

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

The estimated break-even point for a degree from University of California-Los Angeles is 2.3 years after graduation, based on the earnings premium over a high school diploma.

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

The estimated 4-year in-state tuition cost at University of California-Los Angeles is $54,988 ($13,747 per year). 21% of students receive financial aid.

Q: What do University of California-Los Angeles graduates earn?

The median earnings for University of California-Los Angeles graduates 5 years after enrollment is $59,063. This is $24,063 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.

Quick answer

USACollegeData.com ROI analysis (College Scorecard data): four years at University of California-Los Angeles costs about $54,988 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $59,063 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 2.3 years (20-year ROI: 775%).

ROI Summary

Total 4-Year Cost

$54,988

In-state tuition x 4

Earnings Premium

$24,063/yr

above high school diploma avg

Break-Even Point

2.3 years

After graduation

20-Year ROI

775%

Return on investment

ROI Analysis

UCLA's in-state tuition costs $13,747 per year. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median of $41,763, which increases to $59,063 after five years, and $82,511 after ten years. The median debt for students is $14,000. 20.7% of students receive financial aid.

The debt-to-income ratio for UCLA graduates is favorable. With a median debt of $14,000 and a starting salary of $41,763, the debt is easily manageable. The high earnings potential suggests a relatively quick break-even point for the investment in education.

Given the earnings data, the break-even timeline, or the time it takes for earnings to surpass the total cost of education, is relatively short. The high starting salary and increasing earnings over time indicate a strong return on investment for UCLA graduates.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

The Numbers

Annual Tuition (In-State)

$13,747

Median Debt at Graduation

$14,000

Median Earnings (5yr)

$59,063

Graduation Rate

93%

Receive Financial Aid

21%

Avg Aid Amount

N/A

Program-Level ROI

Program	4yr Cost	Median Earnings (5yr)	Est. 20yr ROI
Economics	$54,988	$81,475	1590%
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods	$54,988	$0	N/A
Sociology	$54,988	$54,562	612%
Political Science and Government	$54,988	$81,731	1600%
Psychology, General	$54,988	$98,189	2198%
Biology, General	$54,988	$55,250	637%
Research and Experimental Psychology	$54,988	$57,559	721%
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies	$54,988	$51,490	500%
English Language and Literature, General	$54,988	$52,432	534%
History	$54,988	$65,099	995%
Applied Mathematics	$54,988	$148,639	4033%
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering	$54,988	$130,500	3373%
Law	$54,988	$151,546	4139%
Statistics	$54,988	$77,720	1454%
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology	$54,988	$101,732	2327%
Anthropology	$54,988	$46,401	315%
Mechanical Engineering	$54,988	$143,681	3853%
Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences	$54,988	$55,461	644%
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other	$54,988	$65,593	1013%
Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences	$54,988	$40,318	93%
Public Health	$54,988	$121,165	3034%
Education, General	$54,988	$99,203	2235%
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing	$54,988	$116,547	2866%
Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies	$54,988	$0	N/A

Peer Comparison

University of California-Los Angeles Current

775%

20yr ROI

University of Delaware

641%

20yr ROI

Texas A&M University-College Station

831%

20yr ROI

SUNY Polytechnic Institute

1279%

20yr ROI

Stony Brook University

1060%

20yr ROI

Financial Aid Impact

Before Aid

4-Year Tuition$54,988

Median Debt$14,000

After Aid (Estimated)

Estimated Total Aid$0

Net 4-Year Cost$54,988

Frequently Asked Questions

Is University of California-Los Angeles worth the cost?

Based on government data, University of California-Los Angeles has an estimated 20-year ROI of 775%. The total 4-year cost is $54,988 and graduates earn a median of $59,063 within 5 years.

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

What is the total cost of attending University of California-Los Angeles?

What do University of California-Los Angeles 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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