Return on Investment Analysis

Western Oregon University ROI Analysis

Q: How long does it take to break even on a Western Oregon University degree?

The estimated break-even point for a degree from Western Oregon University is 5.9 years after graduation, based on the earnings premium over a high school diploma.

Q: What is the total cost of attending Western Oregon University?

The estimated 4-year in-state tuition cost at Western Oregon University is $44,100 ($11,025 per year). 74% of students receive financial aid.

Q: What do Western Oregon University graduates earn?

The median earnings for Western Oregon University graduates 5 years after enrollment is $42,537. This is $7,537 above the national average for high school diploma holders.

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

ROI Summary

Total 4-Year Cost

$44,100

In-state tuition x 4

Earnings Premium

$7,537/yr

above high school diploma avg

Break-Even Point

5.9 years

After graduation

20-Year ROI

242%

Return on investment

ROI Analysis

Western Oregon University's in-state tuition costs $11,025. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median of $38,013. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $42,537, and after ten years, earnings reach $51,815. The median debt for graduates is $20,609.

The debt-to-income ratio, calculated by dividing the median debt by the first-year earnings, is approximately 0.54. This indicates that the median debt is about 54% of the first-year earnings.

Given the median debt and the first-year earnings, the break-even point, or the time it takes for earnings to surpass the debt, is less than one year.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

The Numbers

Annual Tuition (In-State)

$11,025

Median Debt at Graduation

$20,609

Median Earnings (5yr)

$42,537

Graduation Rate

46%

Receive Financial Aid

74%

Avg Aid Amount

N/A

Program-Level ROI

Program	4yr Cost	Median Earnings (5yr)	Est. 20yr ROI
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods	$44,100	$53,928	758%
Special Education and Teaching	$44,100	$54,526	786%
Education, General	$44,100	$0	N/A
Psychology, General	$44,100	$43,164	270%
Business/Commerce, General	$44,100	$46,076	402%
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other	$44,100	$40,397	145%
Criminal Justice and Corrections	$44,100	$51,212	635%
Health and Physical Education/Fitness	$44,100	$40,753	161%
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas	$44,100	$0	N/A
Public Health	$44,100	$43,870	302%
American Sign Language	$44,100	$36,768	-20%
Computer and Information Sciences, General	$44,100	$68,922	1438%

Peer Comparison

Western Oregon University Current

242%

20yr ROI

University of Idaho

331%

20yr ROI

University of Louisiana at Lafayette

268%

20yr ROI

Eastern Illinois University

187%

20yr ROI

University of Southern Indiana

261%

20yr ROI

Financial Aid Impact

Before Aid

4-Year Tuition$44,100

Median Debt$20,609

After Aid (Estimated)

Estimated Total Aid$0

Net 4-Year Cost$44,100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Western Oregon University worth the cost?

Based on government data, Western Oregon University has an estimated 20-year ROI of 242%. The total 4-year cost is $44,100 and graduates earn a median of $42,537 within 5 years.

How long does it take to break even on a Western Oregon University degree?

What is the total cost of attending Western Oregon University?

What do Western Oregon University graduates earn?

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.

Back to Western Oregon University Colleges in Oregon Compare Schools ROI Rankings