University of Northern Colorado 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 Northern Colorado costs about $48,040 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $43,756 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 5.5 years (20-year ROI: 265%).
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$48,040
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$8,756/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
5.5 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
265%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
The University of Northern Colorado has an acceptance rate of 86.4% and a graduation rate of 51.6%. The average in-state tuition is $12,010. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median of $41,691, increasing to $43,756 after five years, and $52,231 after ten years. The median debt for students is $20,470, and 39.7% of students receive financial aid.
Based on the provided data, the debt-to-income ratio for a graduate one year after graduation is approximately 0.49. This is calculated by dividing the median debt of $20,470 by the one-year earnings of $41,691. The five-year debt-to-income ratio is approximately 0.47.
To calculate the approximate break-even point, we can divide the median debt by the difference between the one-year earnings and the tuition cost. This results in a break-even point of approximately 0.7 years.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$12,010
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,470
Median Earnings (5yr)
$43,756
Graduation Rate
52%
Receive Financial Aid
40%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
Peer Comparison
265%
20yr ROI
334%
20yr ROI
405%
20yr ROI
449%
20yr ROI
255%
20yr ROI
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.