Western Colorado University
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
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
8.8 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
127%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
The one-year return on investment for Western Colorado University is $22,190, based on the difference between the one-year earnings of $33,273 and the in-state tuition cost of $11,083. The five-year return on investment is $189,267, calculated by multiplying the difference between the five-year earnings of $40,037 and the tuition cost by five. The ten-year return on investment is $357,507, derived by multiplying the difference between the ten-year earnings of $46,833 and the tuition cost by ten.
The median debt for students is $20,250. The debt-to-income ratio is approximately 0.61, using the one-year earnings of $33,273. The break-even point, or the time it takes for earnings to surpass the debt, is approximately 0.61 years.
Western Colorado University has a 97.5% acceptance rate and a 48.8% graduation rate. The retention rate is 72.9%. 22.6% of students receive financial aid.
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
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $44,332 | $41,312 | 185% |
| Education, General. | $44,332 | $49,464 | 553% |
| Psychology, General. | $44,332 | $46,875 | 436% |
| Biology, General. | $44,332 | $44,090 | 310% |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | $44,332 | $51,917 | 663% |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | $44,332 | $44,827 | 343% |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | $44,332 | $31,313 | N/A |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | $44,332 | $35,251 | -89% |
| Political Science and Government. | $44,332 | $0 | N/A |
| Communication and Media Studies. | $44,332 | $40,760 | 160% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $44,332 | $0 | N/A |
| Sociology. | $44,332 | $37,385 | 8% |
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)
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.