University of Pennsylvania
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$264,416
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$55,555/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
4.8 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
320%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
The University of Pennsylvania has a high return on investment. The one-year earnings after graduation are $86,069, exceeding the annual tuition cost of $66,104. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $90,555, and ten years after, they reach $111,371. The median debt for graduates is $15,715.
The debt-to-income ratio is favorable. With a median debt of $15,715 and one-year earnings of $86,069, the debt represents a small fraction of annual income. The high earnings potential suggests a quick break-even timeline for graduates.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$66,104
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,715
Median Earnings (5yr)
$90,555
Graduation Rate
97%
Receive Financial Aid
10%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $264,416 | $221,017 | 1307% |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | $264,416 | $206,646 | 1198% |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | $264,416 | $250,232 | 1528% |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | $264,416 | $302,526 | 1924% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $264,416 | $129,824 | 617% |
| Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations. | $264,416 | $220,379 | 1302% |
| Law. | $264,416 | $261,434 | 1613% |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | $264,416 | $219,625 | 1296% |
| Economics. | $264,416 | $125,816 | 587% |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | $264,416 | $0 | N/A |
| Social Work. | $264,416 | $60,044 | 89% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $264,416 | $96,143 | 362% |
Peer Comparison
320%
20yr ROI
354%
20yr ROI
374%
20yr ROI
403%
20yr ROI
333%
20yr ROI
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.