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Return on Investment Analysis

Washington 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 Washington State University costs about $51,988 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $53,510 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 2.8 years (20-year ROI: 612%).

ROI Summary

Total 4-Year Cost

$51,988

In-state tuition x 4

Earnings Premium

$18,510/yr

above high school diploma avg

Break-Even Point

2.8 years

After graduation

20-Year ROI

612%

Return on investment

ROI Analysis

Washington State University's in-state tuition costs $12,997 per year. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median of $49,447. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $53,510, and after ten years, earnings reach $68,905. The median debt for graduates is $19,500.

The data does not provide enough information to calculate a debt-to-income ratio or a break-even timeline. The provided data does not include information on the cost of living or other expenses.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

The Numbers

Annual Tuition (In-State)

$12,997

Median Debt at Graduation

$19,500

Median Earnings (5yr)

$53,510

Graduation Rate

62%

Receive Financial Aid

31%

Avg Aid Amount

N/A

Program-Level ROI

Program 4yr Cost Median Earnings (5yr) Est. 20yr ROI
Business Administration, Management and Operations $51,988 $135,417 3763%
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $51,988 $63,586 1000%
Psychology, General $51,988 $47,776 391%
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing $51,988 $131,867 3627%
Social Sciences, General $51,988 $53,186 600%
Mechanical Engineering $51,988 $83,875 1780%
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services $51,988 $44,320 259%
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication $51,988 $0 N/A
Biology, General $51,988 $43,627 232%
Accounting and Related Services $51,988 $77,551 1537%
Finance and Financial Management Services $51,988 $70,504 1266%
Health and Physical Education/Fitness $51,988 $57,273 757%
Marketing $51,988 $69,991 1246%
Hospitality Administration/Management $51,988 $53,926 628%
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $51,988 $87,229 1909%
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration $51,988 $134,792 3739%
Criminal Justice and Corrections $51,988 $55,527 690%
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication $51,988 $48,961 437%
Management Information Systems and Services $51,988 $71,717 1313%
Civil Engineering $51,988 $79,139 1598%
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences $51,988 $50,027 478%
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities $51,988 $44,998 285%
Animal Sciences $51,988 $34,686 N/A
English Language and Literature, General $51,988 $43,636 232%

Peer Comparison

Washington State University Current

612%

20yr ROI

University of Massachusetts-Boston

498%

20yr ROI

Indiana University-Bloomington

681%

20yr ROI

University of New Hampshire-Main Campus

388%

20yr ROI

University of New Hampshire at Manchester

490%

20yr ROI

Financial Aid Impact

Before Aid

4-Year Tuition$51,988
Median Debt$19,500

After Aid (Estimated)

Estimated Total Aid$0
Net 4-Year Cost$51,988

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on government data, Washington State University has an estimated 20-year ROI of 612%. The total 4-year cost is $51,988 and graduates earn a median of $53,510 within 5 years.

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.

Back to Washington State University Colleges in Washington Compare Schools ROI Rankings