University of Chicago ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$267,756
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$45,870/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
5.8 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
243%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
The University of Chicago's high tuition of $66,939 is offset by strong early career earnings. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median of $77,119. Five years out, earnings are $80,870, and after ten years, earnings increase to $91,885. The median debt for graduates is $15,000, with 5.1% of students receiving financial aid.
Given the earnings and debt figures, the debt-to-income ratio is favorable. The median debt of $15,000 is a small fraction of the one-year post-graduation earnings of $77,119. The break-even point, or the time it takes to earn back the cost of tuition, is less than one year.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$66,939
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,000
Median Earnings (5yr)
$80,870
Graduation Rate
95%
Receive Financial Aid
5%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | $0 | N/A |
| Economics | $127,832 | 593% |
| Public Policy Analysis | $99,750 | 384% |
| Statistics | $144,308 | 716% |
| Social Sciences, General | $59,606 | 84% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $204,813 | 1168% |
| Social Work | $61,154 | 95% |
| Law | $256,407 | 1554% |
| Mathematics | $107,611 | 442% |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $53,995 | 42% |
| Chemistry | $0 | N/A |
| Biology, General | $52,065 | 27% |
Peer Comparison
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.