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Return on Investment Analysis

University of Colorado Boulder 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 Colorado Boulder costs about $65,720 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $54,939 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 3.3 years (20-year ROI: 507%).

ROI Summary

Total 4-Year Cost

$65,720

In-state tuition x 4

Earnings Premium

$19,939/yr

above high school diploma avg

Break-Even Point

3.3 years

After graduation

20-Year ROI

507%

Return on investment

ROI Analysis

The University of Colorado Boulder has an in-state tuition of $16,430. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median of $48,932. Five years after graduation, the median earnings are $54,939, and ten years after graduation, the median earnings are $69,738. The median debt for graduates is $19,500, and 24.4% of students receive financial aid.

The debt-to-income ratio for graduates is favorable. The median debt of $19,500 is significantly less than the one-year post-graduation earnings of $48,932. This indicates that graduates are likely able to manage their debt effectively.

Based on the provided data, the break-even timeline, or the time it takes for a graduate to earn back the cost of tuition, is less than one year. The difference between the one-year earnings of $48,932 and the tuition cost of $16,430 is $32,502.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

The Numbers

Annual Tuition (In-State)

$16,430

Median Debt at Graduation

$19,500

Median Earnings (5yr)

$54,939

Graduation Rate

75%

Receive Financial Aid

24%

Avg Aid Amount

N/A

Program-Level ROI

Program 4yr Cost Median Earnings (5yr) Est. 20yr ROI
Business Administration, Management and Operations $65,720 $103,505 1985%
Psychology, General $65,720 $62,195 728%
Mechanical Engineering $65,720 $92,952 1664%
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication $65,720 $0 N/A
Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering $65,720 $124,458 2622%
Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences $65,720 $49,460 340%
Economics $65,720 $65,987 843%
Natural Resources Conservation and Research $65,720 $48,881 322%
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology $65,720 $44,364 185%
Political Science and Government $65,720 $70,370 976%
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $65,720 $115,243 2342%
Sociology $65,720 $51,246 394%
Communication and Media Studies $65,720 $58,629 619%
Law $65,720 $89,219 1550%
English Language and Literature, General $65,720 $37,557 -22%
Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences $65,720 $45,504 220%
International/Global Studies $65,720 $50,504 372%
Mathematics $65,720 $68,103 907%
Environmental Design $65,720 $52,694 438%
Physics $65,720 $50,697 378%
Civil Engineering $65,720 $82,508 1346%
Music $65,720 $52,341 428%
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services $65,720 $94,721 1717%
Neurobiology and Neurosciences $65,720 $60,304 670%

Peer Comparison

University of Colorado Boulder Current

507%

20yr ROI

Metropolitan State University

914%

20yr ROI

University of Wisconsin-Platteville

1092%

20yr ROI

Michigan State University

528%

20yr ROI

University of Maryland-Baltimore County

677%

20yr ROI

Financial Aid Impact

Before Aid

4-Year Tuition$65,720
Median Debt$19,500

After Aid (Estimated)

Estimated Total Aid$0
Net 4-Year Cost$65,720

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on government data, University of Colorado Boulder has an estimated 20-year ROI of 507%. The total 4-year cost is $65,720 and graduates earn a median of $54,939 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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