University of California-Santa Cruz ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$58,240
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$14,716/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
4 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
405%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
One year after graduation, University of California-Santa Cruz alumni earn a median of $37,107, which is 2.6 times the in-state tuition cost of $14,560. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $49,716, and ten years after graduation, earnings reach $68,396. The median debt for graduates is $16,666, and 29.4% of students receive financial aid.
The debt-to-income ratio, calculated by dividing the median debt by the one-year earnings, is 0.45. This indicates that the median debt is 45% of the first-year earnings.
Based on the provided data, the break-even point, or the time it takes for earnings to surpass the tuition cost, is less than one year.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$14,560
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,666
Median Earnings (5yr)
$49,716
Graduation Rate
76%
Receive Financial Aid
29%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General | $48,247 | 355% |
| Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences | $60,883 | 789% |
| Business/Managerial Economics | $78,567 | 1396% |
| Sociology | $47,904 | 343% |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | $49,828 | 409% |
| Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services | $38,878 | 33% |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts | $34,586 | N/A |
| Biology, General | $52,707 | 508% |
| Economics | $89,229 | 1762% |
| Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology | $35,013 | -100% |
| Political Science and Government | $53,304 | 529% |
| Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies | $49,977 | 414% |
Peer Comparison
405%
20yr ROI
735%
20yr ROI
653%
20yr ROI
472%
20yr ROI
915%
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.