Western Colorado 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
$44,332
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$5,037/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
8.8 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
127%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Graduates of Western Colorado University have a positive return on investment. The average in-state tuition is $11,083. One year after graduation, alumni earn an average of $33,273, which is more than three times the tuition cost. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $40,037, and ten years after graduation, earnings reach $46,833.
The median debt for graduates is $20,250. With an average starting salary of $33,273, the debt-to-income ratio is approximately 0.61. This indicates that graduates can likely manage their debt payments without significant financial strain.
Based on the provided data, it takes less than one year for graduates to earn enough to cover their tuition costs. The difference between the first-year earnings and the tuition cost is $22,190.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$11,083
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,250
Median Earnings (5yr)
$40,037
Graduation Rate
49%
Receive Financial Aid
23%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $41,312 | 185% |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | $51,917 | 663% |
| Education, General | $49,464 | 553% |
| Psychology, General | $46,875 | 436% |
| Biology, General | $44,090 | 310% |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $44,827 | 343% |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $35,251 | -89% |
| Political Science and Government | $0 | N/A |
| Communication and Media Studies | $40,760 | 160% |
| Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies | $28,611 | N/A |
| Sociology | $37,385 | 8% |
| Economics | $0 | N/A |
Peer Comparison
127%
20yr ROI
198%
20yr ROI
212%
20yr ROI
319%
20yr ROI
240%
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.