University of California-Riverside 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-Riverside costs about $56,680 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $48,593 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 4.2 years (20-year ROI: 380%).
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$56,680
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$13,593/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
4.2 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
380%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
The University of California-Riverside has an in-state tuition cost of $14,170. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median of $33,932. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $48,593, and ten years after graduation, earnings reach $67,699. The median debt for graduates is $17,500, and 32.8% of students receive financial aid.
Based on the provided data, the debt-to-income ratio is favorable. The median debt of $17,500 is significantly less than the one-year earnings of $33,932. The break-even point, or the time it takes to earn the tuition cost, is less than one year.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$14,170
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,500
Median Earnings (5yr)
$48,593
Graduation Rate
76%
Receive Financial Aid
33%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
Peer Comparison
380%
20yr ROI
858%
20yr ROI
647%
20yr ROI
799%
20yr ROI
818%
20yr ROI
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Frequently Asked Questions
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.