Western Connecticut State University
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$51,052
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$10,997/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
4.6 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
331%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Graduates of Western Connecticut State University earn a median of $40,889 one year after graduation. The median debt for graduates is $24,147. With an in-state tuition cost of $12,763, the one-year earnings are more than three times the tuition cost.
Five years after graduation, the median earnings increase to $45,997. Ten years after graduation, the median earnings reach $59,115. The school's graduation rate is 50.7%, and the retention rate is 70%. Nearly half of the students, 49.8%, receive financial aid.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$12,763
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,147
Median Earnings (5yr)
$45,997
Graduation Rate
51%
Receive Financial Aid
50%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | $51,052 | $49,367 | 463% |
| Psychology, General. | $51,052 | $44,713 | 281% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $51,052 | $82,388 | 1756% |
| Communication and Media Studies. | $51,052 | $43,870 | 247% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $51,052 | $0 | N/A |
| Accounting and Related Services. | $51,052 | $71,963 | 1348% |
| Social Work. | $51,052 | $49,110 | 453% |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | $51,052 | $0 | N/A |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | $51,052 | $45,339 | 305% |
| Marketing. | $51,052 | $58,801 | 832% |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. | $51,052 | $24,928 | N/A |
| Music. | $51,052 | $17,931 | N/A |
Peer Comparison
331%
20yr ROI
264%
20yr ROI
291%
20yr ROI
254%
20yr ROI
338%
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.