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Return on Investment Analysis

University of Chicago ROI Analysis

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 Chicago costs about $267,756 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $80,870 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 5.8 years (20-year ROI: 243%).

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 4yr Cost Median Earnings (5yr) Est. 20yr ROI
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods $267,756 $0 N/A
Economics $267,756 $127,832 593%
Public Policy Analysis $267,756 $99,750 384%
Statistics $267,756 $144,308 716%
Social Sciences, General $267,756 $59,606 84%
Business Administration, Management and Operations $267,756 $204,813 1168%
Social Work $267,756 $61,154 95%
Law $267,756 $256,407 1554%
Mathematics $267,756 $107,611 442%
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities $267,756 $53,995 42%
Biology, General $267,756 $52,065 27%
International Relations and National Security Studies $267,756 $78,709 226%
Political Science and Government $267,756 $78,986 229%
History $267,756 $65,148 125%
Research and Experimental Psychology $267,756 $65,966 131%
Medicine $267,756 $89,242 305%
Theological and Ministerial Studies $267,756 $55,428 53%
English Language and Literature, General $267,756 $39,095 -69%
Neurobiology and Neurosciences $267,756 $0 N/A
Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology $267,756 $0 N/A
Computer Programming $267,756 $0 N/A
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $267,756 $0 N/A
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology $267,756 $0 N/A
Area Studies $267,756 $67,026 139%

Peer Comparison

University of Chicago Current

243%

20yr ROI

Lafayette College

264%

20yr ROI

Kettering University

388%

20yr ROI

Golden Gate University

647%

20yr ROI

Yale University

261%

20yr ROI

Financial Aid Impact

Before Aid

4-Year Tuition$267,756
Median Debt$15,000

After Aid (Estimated)

Estimated Total Aid$0
Net 4-Year Cost$267,756

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on government data, University of Chicago has an estimated 20-year ROI of 243%. The total 4-year cost is $267,756 and graduates earn a median of $80,870 within 5 years.

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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