University of Dubuque
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$160,260
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$9,960/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
16.1 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
24%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
The University of Dubuque has a high tuition cost of $40,065. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median of $47,098. Five years after graduation, earnings decrease to $44,960, but increase to $51,190 ten years after graduation. The median debt for graduates is $25,750, and 70.2% of students receive financial aid.
The data does not provide enough information to calculate a debt-to-income ratio or a break-even timeline. However, the one-year earnings are higher than the tuition cost, suggesting a positive return on investment in the short term. The university has a low graduation rate of 40.2% and a retention rate of 71.4%.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$40,065
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,750
Median Earnings (5yr)
$44,960
Graduation Rate
40%
Receive Financial Aid
70%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $160,260 | $72,199 | 364% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $160,260 | $55,640 | 158% |
| Air Transportation. | $160,260 | $68,260 | 315% |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | $160,260 | $55,013 | 150% |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | $160,260 | $46,564 | 44% |
| Communication and Media Studies. | $160,260 | $35,733 | -91% |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | $160,260 | $0 | N/A |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | $160,260 | $0 | N/A |
| Accounting and Related Services. | $160,260 | $64,831 | 272% |
| Marketing. | $160,260 | $55,208 | 152% |
| Theological and Ministerial Studies. | $160,260 | $78,539 | 443% |
| Biology, General. | $160,260 | $43,965 | 12% |
Peer Comparison
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
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.