University of the Cumberlands
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$39,500
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$4,046/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
9.8 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
105%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
The University of the Cumberlands has a relatively low in-state tuition of $9,875. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median of $45,499. Five years after graduation, earnings decrease to $39,046, but increase again to $45,036 ten years after graduation. The median debt for graduates is $14,911, and 69.2% of students receive financial aid.
Given the tuition and earnings data, the return on investment appears favorable. The one-year earnings are significantly higher than the tuition cost. The five-year earnings are lower than the one-year earnings, but still significantly higher than the tuition cost. The ten-year earnings are similar to the one-year earnings.
With a median debt of $14,911 and an average starting salary of $45,499, the debt-to-income ratio is relatively low. The break-even timeline, considering the tuition cost and potential earnings, is likely to be short, with graduates potentially recouping their tuition investment within the first year of employment.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$9,875
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,911
Median Earnings (5yr)
$39,046
Graduation Rate
45%
Receive Financial Aid
69%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | $39,500 | $0 | N/A |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | $39,500 | $0 | N/A |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | $39,500 | $61,446 | 1239% |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | $39,500 | $45,331 | 423% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $39,500 | $67,719 | 1557% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | $39,500 | $44,897 | 401% |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | $39,500 | $48,399 | 578% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | $39,500 | $42,102 | 260% |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | $39,500 | $51,098 | 715% |
| Special Education and Teaching. | $39,500 | $45,139 | 413% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $39,500 | $0 | N/A |
| Business/Commerce, General. | $39,500 | $51,203 | 720% |
Peer Comparison
105%
20yr ROI
-39%
20yr ROI
-34%
20yr ROI
-40%
20yr ROI
10%
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.