Western Illinois 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
$59,808
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$8,057/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
7.4 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
169%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
The average in-state tuition at Western Illinois University is $14,952. One year after graduation, alumni earn an average of $41,243. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $43,057, and ten years after graduation, earnings increase to $54,163. The median debt for graduates is $25,251, and 30.9% of students receive financial aid.
Based on the provided data, the debt-to-income ratio for a graduate one year after graduation is approximately 61%. This is calculated by dividing the median debt of $25,251 by the one-year earnings of $41,243.
To calculate the break-even point, we can divide the median debt by the difference between the one-year earnings and the tuition cost. This results in a break-even timeline of approximately one year.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$14,952
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,251
Median Earnings (5yr)
$43,057
Graduation Rate
46%
Receive Financial Aid
31%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $69,025 | 1038% |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $42,666 | 156% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $85,417 | 1586% |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $62,291 | 813% |
| Biology, General | $46,564 | 287% |
| Agriculture, General | $49,139 | 373% |
| Psychology, General | $39,411 | 48% |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $52,779 | 495% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $52,296 | 478% |
| Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management | $41,033 | 102% |
| Accounting and Related Services | $79,820 | 1399% |
| Educational Administration and Supervision | $75,724 | 1262% |
Peer Comparison
169%
20yr ROI
328%
20yr ROI
374%
20yr ROI
276%
20yr ROI
792%
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.