Valdosta State University 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 Valdosta State University costs about $24,028 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $39,416 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 5.4 years (20-year ROI: 268%).
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$24,028
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$4,416/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
5.4 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
268%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
The average in-state tuition at Valdosta State University is $6,007. One year after graduation, the median earnings are $38,761. Five years after graduation, the median earnings are $39,416, and ten years after graduation, the median earnings are $49,361. The median debt for students is $24,779.
The debt-to-income ratio, calculated by dividing the median debt by the one-year post-graduation earnings, is approximately 0.64. This indicates that the median debt is about 64% of the average graduate's first-year earnings.
To calculate the break-even point, we can estimate the time it takes for the additional earnings from a degree to offset the cost of tuition. Given the one-year earnings, it would take less than a year to earn back the tuition cost.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$6,007
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,779
Median Earnings (5yr)
$39,416
Graduation Rate
41%
Receive Financial Aid
47%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
Peer Comparison
268%
20yr ROI
124%
20yr ROI
155%
20yr ROI
153%
20yr ROI
79%
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.