University of California-Riverside
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$56,680
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$13,593/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
4.2 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
380%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
One year after graduation, University of California-Riverside graduates earn a median of $33,932, which increases to $48,593 after five years and $67,699 after ten years. The median debt for graduates is $17,500. With an in-state tuition of $14,170, 32.8% of students receive financial aid.
The debt-to-income ratio for graduates is approximately 0.52 based on the first-year earnings and median debt. The break-even point, where cumulative earnings surpass the cost of tuition, is reached within the first year after graduation.
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
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $56,680 | $61,624 | 839% |
| Research and Experimental Psychology. | $56,680 | $0 | N/A |
| Biology, General. | $56,680 | $44,091 | 221% |
| Sociology. | $56,680 | $45,734 | 279% |
| Economics. | $56,680 | $56,595 | 662% |
| Political Science and Government. | $56,680 | $51,239 | 473% |
| Mathematics. | $56,680 | $51,363 | 477% |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts. | $56,680 | $41,093 | 115% |
| Education, General. | $56,680 | $71,137 | 1175% |
| English Language and Literature, General. | $56,680 | $43,429 | 197% |
| Business/Managerial Economics. | $56,680 | $55,342 | 618% |
| Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education. | $56,680 | $0 | N/A |
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)
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.