Western Kentucky 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
$45,744
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$3,156/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
14.5 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
38%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
The average in-state tuition at Western Kentucky University is $11,436. One year after graduation, the average earnings are $40,545. Five years after graduation, the average earnings are $38,156, and ten years after graduation, the average earnings are $43,889. The median debt for students is $22,095, and 36.3% of students receive financial aid.
The debt-to-income ratio can be calculated by dividing the median debt by the one-year earnings. This results in a debt-to-income ratio of approximately 0.54. The break-even point, or the time it takes for earnings to surpass the total cost of tuition, can be estimated by dividing the total tuition cost by the difference between the one-year earnings and the tuition cost. This calculation suggests a break-even timeline of less than one year.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$11,436
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,095
Median Earnings (5yr)
$38,156
Graduation Rate
53%
Receive Financial Aid
36%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $72,036 | 1519% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $96,217 | 2577% |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $33,939 | N/A |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $44,217 | 303% |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $42,555 | 230% |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | $0 | N/A |
| Biology, General | $40,022 | 120% |
| Social Work | $44,446 | 313% |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services | $58,392 | 923% |
| Psychology, General | $49,882 | 551% |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $67,843 | 1336% |
| Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management | $50,707 | 587% |
Peer Comparison
38%
20yr ROI
66%
20yr ROI
70%
20yr ROI
32%
20yr ROI
37%
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.