University of Kansas ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$46,800
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$16,217/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
2.9 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
593%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
The University of Kansas has an in-state tuition of $11,700. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median of $48,168. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $51,217, and ten years after graduation, earnings reach $61,945. The median debt for graduates is $21,000.
Based on the median debt and the one-year earnings, the debt-to-income ratio is approximately 0.44. This is calculated by dividing the median debt of $21,000 by the one-year earnings of $48,168.
The break-even timeline, or the time it takes for earnings to surpass the cost of tuition, is less than one year. This is determined by comparing the tuition cost of $11,700 to the one-year earnings of $48,168.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$11,700
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,000
Median Earnings (5yr)
$51,217
Graduation Rate
68%
Receive Financial Aid
37%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $102,367 | 2779% |
| Accounting and Related Services | $73,609 | 1550% |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration | $131,534 | 4025% |
| Social Work | $54,465 | 732% |
| Psychology, General | $43,397 | 259% |
| Journalism | $54,736 | 743% |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $66,001 | 1225% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $68,800 | 1344% |
| Medicine | $94,496 | 2443% |
| Business/Commerce, General | $60,067 | 971% |
| Marketing | $67,616 | 1294% |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $57,522 | 862% |
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.