University of California-San Diego ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$61,060
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$30,669/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
2 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
905%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
One year after graduation, University of California-San Diego graduates earn a median of $44,612, which is approximately three times the in-state tuition cost of $15,265. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $65,669, and ten years after graduation, earnings reach $84,943. The median debt for graduates is $15,500, and 24.1% of students receive financial aid.
The debt-to-income ratio for graduates is favorable. With a median debt of $15,500 and a starting salary of $44,612, the debt represents a relatively small portion of annual earnings.
Given the initial earnings and tuition costs, the break-even point, where cumulative earnings surpass the cost of tuition, is reached quickly. The high starting salary and increasing earnings over time suggest a strong return on investment for graduates of the University of California-San Diego.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$15,265
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,500
Median Earnings (5yr)
$65,669
Graduation Rate
88%
Receive Financial Aid
24%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Cognitive Science | $67,751 | 973% |
| International/Global Studies | $63,294 | 827% |
| Biology, General | $96,321 | 1909% |
| Economics | $187,289 | 4888% |
| Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences | $0 | N/A |
| Political Science and Government | $55,931 | 586% |
| Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology | $53,331 | 500% |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering | $132,436 | 3091% |
| Chemistry | $87,038 | 1604% |
| Mathematics and Computer Science | $0 | N/A |
| Applied Mathematics | $69,079 | 1016% |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | $71,520 | 1096% |
Peer Comparison
905%
20yr ROI
2203%
20yr ROI
1694%
20yr ROI
166%
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.