Western Michigan 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
$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 | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $99,407 | 2005% |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $41,176 | 102% |
| Marketing | $60,095 | 720% |
| Social Work | $52,183 | 462% |
| Biology, General | $49,044 | 359% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $53,379 | 501% |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions | $66,266 | 922% |
| Accounting and Related Services | $74,823 | 1202% |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology | $89,724 | 1689% |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $62,689 | 805% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $68,115 | 982% |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $49,851 | 385% |
Peer Comparison
238%
20yr ROI
460%
20yr ROI
449%
20yr ROI
382%
20yr ROI
395%
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.