University of California-Los Angeles
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$54,988
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$24,063/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
2.3 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
775%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
The University of California-Los Angeles has a high return on investment. The average in-state tuition is $13,747. One year after graduation, alumni earn an average 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, and 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 an average starting salary of $41,763, the debt is quickly manageable. The high earnings potential suggests a relatively short break-even timeline for the initial investment in tuition.
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
$0
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 | $58,937 | 771% |
| Psychology, General. | $54,988 | $52,754 | 546% |
| Biology, General. | $54,988 | $55,250 | 637% |
| Research and Experimental Psychology. | $54,988 | $57,559 | 721% |
| Applied Mathematics. | $54,988 | $81,414 | 1588% |
| 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 | $47,888 | 369% |
| Law. | $54,988 | $151,546 | 4139% |
Peer Comparison
775%
20yr ROI
641%
20yr ROI
831%
20yr ROI
1279%
20yr ROI
1060%
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.