Valley City State University ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$34,056
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$10,820/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
3.1 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
535%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Valley City State University's in-state tuition costs $8,514. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median of $45,069. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $45,820, and ten years after graduation, earnings reach $52,725. The median debt for students is $20,369.
The debt-to-income ratio for graduates is approximately 0.45, calculated by dividing the median debt by the one-year earnings. The break-even point, or the time it takes for earnings to cover the tuition cost, is less than one year.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$8,514
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,369
Median Earnings (5yr)
$45,820
Graduation Rate
48%
Receive Financial Aid
34%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $58,049 | 1254% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $43,590 | 404% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $51,260 | 855% |
| Music | $0 | N/A |
| Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management | $45,038 | 489% |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $0 | N/A |
| Health/Medical Preparatory Programs | $0 | N/A |
| History | $0 | N/A |
| Biology, General | $0 | N/A |
| Psychology, General | $0 | N/A |
| Communication and Media Studies | $0 | N/A |
| Social Sciences, General | $0 | N/A |
Peer Comparison
535%
20yr ROI
441%
20yr ROI
0%
20yr ROI
426%
20yr ROI
454%
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.