Vassar College ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$271,220
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$14,177/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
19.1 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
5%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
The cost of tuition at Vassar College is $67,805. One year after graduation, alumni earn $34,993. Five years after graduation, alumni earn $49,177, and ten years after graduation, earnings increase to $71,366. The median debt for students is $18,625, and 42.6% of students receive financial aid.
The debt-to-income ratio for Vassar graduates is not directly calculable from the provided data. However, the median debt of $18,625 compared to the one-year earnings of $34,993 suggests a relatively favorable debt-to-income ratio.
A break-even timeline, or the time it takes for earnings to surpass the cost of tuition, cannot be calculated with the provided data.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$67,805
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,625
Median Earnings (5yr)
$49,177
Graduation Rate
91%
Receive Financial Aid
43%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Biology, General | $44,221 | -32% |
| Economics | $81,561 | 243% |
| Mathematics | $74,019 | 188% |
| Research and Experimental Psychology | $0 | N/A |
| Political Science and Government | $56,595 | 59% |
| Neurobiology and Neurosciences | $0 | N/A |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $110,844 | 459% |
| English Language and Literature, General | $46,456 | -16% |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $32,906 | N/A |
| History | $0 | N/A |
| International Relations and National Security Studies | $60,969 | 91% |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics | $41,730 | -50% |
Peer Comparison
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.