University of Dubuque 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 Dubuque costs about $160,260 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $44,960 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 16.1 years (20-year ROI: 24%).
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$160,260
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$9,960/yr
above 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 $47,098. Five years after graduation, earnings decrease to $44,960, but increase to $51,190 ten years after graduation. The median debt for students 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. The provided data does not show the average salary of graduates before attending the University of Dubuque.
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
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $72,199 | 364% |
| Air Transportation | $68,260 | 315% |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $55,013 | 150% |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $46,564 | 44% |
| Theological and Ministerial Studies | $78,539 | 443% |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions | $0 | N/A |
| Marketing | $55,208 | 152% |
| Accounting and Related Services | $64,831 | 272% |
| Biology, General | $43,965 | 12% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $64,008 | 262% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $41,888 | -14% |
| Human Resources Management and Services | $0 | N/A |
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.