Return on Investment Analysis

University of the Southwest ROI Analysis

Q: How long does it take to break even on a University of the Southwest degree?

The estimated break-even point for a degree from University of the Southwest is 41.7 years after graduation, based on the earnings premium over a high school diploma.

Q: What is the total cost of attending University of the Southwest?

The estimated 4-year in-state tuition cost at University of the Southwest is $66,680 ($16,670 per year). 63% of students receive financial aid.

Q: What do University of the Southwest graduates earn?

The median earnings for University of the Southwest graduates 5 years after enrollment is $36,600. This is $1,600 above the national average for high school diploma holders.

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 the Southwest costs about $66,680 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $36,600 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 41.7 years (20-year ROI: -52%).

ROI Summary

Total 4-Year Cost

$66,680

In-state tuition x 4

Earnings Premium

$1,600/yr

above high school diploma avg

Break-Even Point

41.7 years

After graduation

20-Year ROI

-52%

Return on investment

ROI Analysis

The University of the Southwest has an in-state tuition cost of $16,670. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median of $40,278. Five years after graduation, earnings decrease to $36,600, but increase to $45,389 ten years after graduation. The median debt for graduates is $21,303, and 62.5% of students receive financial aid.

Based on the provided data, the debt-to-income ratio can be calculated. The median debt of $21,303 is approximately 53% of the one-year earnings of $40,278. The debt is approximately 58% of the five-year earnings of $36,600.

To calculate the break-even timeline, we can compare the tuition cost to the earnings. The tuition cost of $16,670 is approximately 41% of the one-year earnings, 46% of the five-year earnings, and 37% of the ten-year earnings.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

The Numbers

Annual Tuition (In-State)

$16,670

Median Debt at Graduation

$21,303

Median Earnings (5yr)

$36,600

Graduation Rate

27%

Receive Financial Aid

63%

Avg Aid Amount

N/A

Program-Level ROI

Program	4yr Cost	Median Earnings (5yr)	Est. 20yr ROI
Student Counseling and Personnel Services	$66,680	$53,738	462%
Health and Physical Education/Fitness	$66,680	$0	N/A
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions	$66,680	$57,489	575%
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods	$66,680	$0	N/A

Peer Comparison

University of the Southwest Current

-52%

20yr ROI

Gallaudet University

-57%

20yr ROI

Coker University

-74%

20yr ROI

Keystone College

-54%

20yr ROI

Blackburn College

-69%

20yr ROI

Financial Aid Impact

Before Aid

4-Year Tuition$66,680

Median Debt$21,303

After Aid (Estimated)

Estimated Total Aid$0

Net 4-Year Cost$66,680

Frequently Asked Questions

Is University of the Southwest worth the cost?

Based on government data, University of the Southwest has an estimated 20-year ROI of -52%. The total 4-year cost is $66,680 and graduates earn a median of $36,600 within 5 years.

How long does it take to break even on a University of the Southwest degree?

What is the total cost of attending University of the Southwest?

What do University of the Southwest graduates earn?

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.

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