West Chester University of Pennsylvania
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$42,748
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$16,013/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
2.7 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
649%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
West Chester University of Pennsylvania has a strong return on investment. The median debt for students is $23,500. One year after graduation, the median earnings are $50,561, which is more than double the in-state tuition cost of $10,687. The median earnings increase to $61,258 ten years after graduation.
The debt-to-income ratio is favorable. The median debt of $23,500 is less than half of the one-year post-graduation earnings of $50,561. This indicates graduates are likely able to manage their debt effectively.
The break-even timeline is short. With a starting salary of $50,561 and in-state tuition of $10,687, a graduate could pay off their tuition in less than a year.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$10,687
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,500
Median Earnings (5yr)
$51,013
Graduation Rate
71%
Receive Financial Aid
54%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | $42,748 | $49,041 | 557% |
| Psychology, General. | $42,748 | $42,571 | 254% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $42,748 | $119,953 | 3875% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $42,748 | $59,626 | 1052% |
| General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations. | $42,748 | $59,787 | 1060% |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | $42,748 | $71,506 | 1608% |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. | $42,748 | $52,134 | 702% |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | $42,748 | $52,434 | 716% |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | $42,748 | $42,803 | 265% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $42,748 | $77,351 | 1881% |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | $42,748 | $53,788 | 779% |
| Accounting and Related Services. | $42,748 | $75,107 | 1776% |
Peer Comparison
649%
20yr ROI
984%
20yr ROI
957%
20yr ROI
224%
20yr ROI
798%
20yr ROI
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
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.