University of the Potomac-Washington DC Campus
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$26,640
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$3,444/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
7.7 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
159%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
The University of the Potomac-Washington DC Campus has a low in-state tuition cost of $6,660. However, the median debt of students is $8,769. The one-year earnings after graduation are $80,975, but the five-year earnings drop to $38,444 and the ten-year earnings are $34,961. Only 11% of students receive financial aid.
Given the median debt and the one-year earnings, the debt-to-income ratio is approximately 11%. The high initial earnings suggest a potentially quick break-even point for graduates. However, the significant drop in earnings after five years indicates a potential challenge in maintaining financial stability over the long term.
The university has a 50% graduation rate and a 75% retention rate. These figures suggest that a substantial portion of students do not complete their degrees.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$6,660
Median Debt at Graduation
$8,769
Median Earnings (5yr)
$38,444
Graduation Rate
50%
Receive Financial Aid
11%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Management Information Systems and Services. | $26,640 | $0 | N/A |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $26,640 | $0 | N/A |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | $26,640 | $0 | N/A |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | $26,640 | $0 | N/A |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | $26,640 | $0 | N/A |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $26,640 | $42,564 | 468% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $26,640 | $0 | N/A |
| Accounting and Related Services. | $26,640 | $0 | N/A |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | $26,640 | $0 | N/A |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | $26,640 | $0 | N/A |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | $26,640 | $0 | N/A |
| International Business. | $26,640 | $0 | N/A |
Peer Comparison
159%
20yr ROI
159%
20yr ROI
-32%
20yr ROI
3%
20yr ROI
-7%
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.