Return on Investment Analysis

University of California-San Diego ROI Analysis

Q: How long does it take to break even on a University of California-San Diego degree?

The estimated break-even point for a degree from University of California-San Diego is 2 years after graduation, based on the earnings premium over a high school diploma.

Q: What is the total cost of attending University of California-San Diego?

The estimated 4-year in-state tuition cost at University of California-San Diego is $61,060 ($15,265 per year). 24% of students receive financial aid.

Q: What do University of California-San Diego graduates earn?

The median earnings for University of California-San Diego graduates 5 years after enrollment is $65,669. This is $30,669 above the national average for high school diploma holders.

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-San Diego costs about $61,060 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $65,669 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 2 years (20-year ROI: 905%).

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	4yr Cost	Median Earnings (5yr)	Est. 20yr ROI
Cognitive Science	$61,060	$67,751	973%
International/Global Studies	$61,060	$63,294	827%
Biology, General	$61,060	$96,321	1909%
Economics	$61,060	$187,289	4888%
Political Science and Government	$61,060	$55,931	586%
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology	$61,060	$53,331	500%
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering	$61,060	$132,436	3091%
Chemistry	$61,060	$87,038	1604%
Mathematics and Computer Science	$61,060	$0	N/A
Applied Mathematics	$61,060	$69,079	1016%
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods	$61,060	$71,520	1096%
Public Health	$61,060	$53,015	490%
Mathematics	$61,060	$56,452	603%
Biomedical/Medical Engineering	$61,060	$131,462	3060%
Mechanical Engineering	$61,060	$94,289	1842%
Communication and Media Studies	$61,060	$55,039	556%
Psychology, General	$61,060	$47,072	295%
Computer Engineering	$61,060	$167,912	4253%
Neurobiology and Neurosciences	$61,060	$55,660	577%
Civil Engineering	$61,060	$91,301	1744%
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology	$61,060	$56,238	596%
Engineering, Other	$61,060	$159,179	3967%
Chemical Engineering	$61,060	$85,181	1544%
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology	$61,060	$52,252	465%

Peer Comparison

University of California-San Diego Current

905%

20yr ROI

Thomas Edison State University

2203%

20yr ROI

Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport

20yr ROI

Colorado State University Global

1694%

20yr ROI

University of San Diego

166%

20yr ROI

Financial Aid Impact

Before Aid

4-Year Tuition$61,060

Median Debt$15,500

After Aid (Estimated)

Estimated Total Aid$0

Net 4-Year Cost$61,060

Frequently Asked Questions

Is University of California-San Diego worth the cost?

Based on government data, University of California-San Diego has an estimated 20-year ROI of 905%. The total 4-year cost is $61,060 and graduates earn a median of $65,669 within 5 years.

How long does it take to break even on a University of California-San Diego degree?

What is the total cost of attending University of California-San Diego?

What do University of California-San Diego graduates earn?

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.

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