University of California-San Diego
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
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
2 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
905%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
The University of California-San Diego has a high return on investment. One year after graduation, students earn $44,612, which increases to $65,669 after five years and $84,943 after ten years. With an in-state tuition of $15,265, students experience significant earnings growth over time.
The median debt for students is $15,500. With an average starting salary of $44,612, the debt-to-income ratio is favorable. The high earnings potential suggests a relatively short break-even timeline for the cost of tuition.
The university has a strong retention rate of 93.9% and an 87.7% graduation rate. The university admits 24.5% of applicants. A substantial 24.1% of students receive financial aid.
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
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cognitive Science. | $61,060 | $67,751 | 973% |
| International/Global Studies. | $61,060 | $63,294 | 827% |
| Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences. | $61,060 | $0 | N/A |
| Economics. | $61,060 | $68,970 | 1013% |
| Political Science and Government. | $61,060 | $55,931 | 586% |
| Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology. | $61,060 | $53,331 | 500% |
| Mathematics and Computer Science. | $61,060 | $0 | N/A |
| Biology, General. | $61,060 | $56,216 | 595% |
| Chemistry. | $61,060 | $60,796 | 745% |
| Mathematics. | $61,060 | $56,452 | 603% |
| Public Health. | $61,060 | $53,015 | 490% |
| Communication and Media Studies. | $61,060 | $55,039 | 556% |
Peer Comparison
905%
20yr ROI
2203%
20yr ROI
1694%
20yr ROI
166%
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.