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Return on Investment Analysis

Western Michigan University ROI Analysis

Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.

Quick answer

USACollegeData.com ROI analysis (College Scorecard data): four years at Western Michigan University costs about $61,192 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $45,356 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 5.9 years (20-year ROI: 238%).

ROI Summary

Total 4-Year Cost

$61,192

In-state tuition x 4

Earnings Premium

$10,356/yr

above high school diploma avg

Break-Even Point

5.9 years

After graduation

20-Year ROI

238%

Return on investment

ROI Analysis

Graduates of Western Michigan University earn a median of $43,987 one year after graduation. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $45,356, and ten years after graduation, earnings reach $53,562. The median debt for students is $26,188.

The annual in-state tuition cost is $15,298. With a median debt of $26,188, the debt-to-income ratio is approximately 0.6. The one-year earnings of $43,987 are nearly three times the tuition cost.

Based on the data, the break-even point, or the time it takes to earn the amount of debt, is less than one year.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

The Numbers

Annual Tuition (In-State)

$15,298

Median Debt at Graduation

$26,188

Median Earnings (5yr)

$45,356

Graduation Rate

57%

Receive Financial Aid

48%

Avg Aid Amount

N/A

Program-Level ROI

Program 4yr Cost Median Earnings (5yr) Est. 20yr ROI
Business Administration, Management and Operations $61,192 $99,407 2005%
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other $61,192 $41,176 102%
Marketing $61,192 $60,095 720%
Social Work $61,192 $52,183 462%
Biology, General $61,192 $49,044 359%
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas $61,192 $53,379 501%
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions $61,192 $66,266 922%
Accounting and Related Services $61,192 $74,823 1202%
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology $61,192 $89,724 1689%
Finance and Financial Management Services $61,192 $62,689 805%
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing $61,192 $68,115 982%
Health and Physical Education/Fitness $61,192 $49,851 385%
Air Transportation $61,192 $65,149 885%
Health and Medical Administrative Services $61,192 $45,443 241%
Mechanical Engineering $61,192 $78,314 1316%
Psychology, General $61,192 $38,906 28%
Criminal Justice and Corrections $61,192 $48,189 331%
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication $61,192 $48,899 354%
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $61,192 $41,327 107%
Industrial Engineering $61,192 $78,391 1318%
Special Education and Teaching $61,192 $53,829 515%
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services $61,192 $38,672 20%
Human Resources Management and Services $61,192 $53,197 495%
Chemical Engineering $61,192 $75,501 1224%

Peer Comparison

Western Michigan University Current

238%

20yr ROI

Sam Houston State University

460%

20yr ROI

University of Mississippi

449%

20yr ROI

Metropolitan State University of Denver

382%

20yr ROI

Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania

395%

20yr ROI

Financial Aid Impact

Before Aid

4-Year Tuition$61,192
Median Debt$26,188

After Aid (Estimated)

Estimated Total Aid$0
Net 4-Year Cost$61,192

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on government data, Western Michigan University has an estimated 20-year ROI of 238%. The total 4-year cost is $61,192 and graduates earn a median of $45,356 within 5 years.

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.

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