Wheeling University
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$117,900
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$13,482/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
8.7 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
129%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
The average in-state tuition at Wheeling University is $29,475. One year after graduation, the average earnings are $33,558. Five years after graduation, the average earnings increase to $48,482, and ten years after graduation, the average earnings are $57,949. The median debt for students is $25,125, and 56% of students receive financial aid.
Based on the provided data, the debt-to-income ratio can be calculated. With a median debt of $25,125 and average earnings of $33,558 one year after graduation, the debt-to-income ratio is approximately 0.75. This indicates that the median debt is about 75% of the average annual income one year after graduation.
To calculate the break-even timeline, we can compare the tuition cost to the earnings increase. The tuition cost is $29,475. The difference between the 1-year and 10-year earnings is $24,391 ($57,949 - $33,558). This suggests that the investment in tuition is recouped within the first ten years after graduation.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$29,475
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,125
Median Earnings (5yr)
$48,482
Graduation Rate
53%
Receive Financial Aid
56%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | $117,900 | $0 | N/A |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $117,900 | $108,612 | 1149% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | $117,900 | $0 | N/A |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $117,900 | $63,902 | 390% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $117,900 | $0 | N/A |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $117,900 | $42,010 | 19% |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | $117,900 | $0 | N/A |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | $117,900 | $0 | N/A |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | $117,900 | $0 | N/A |
| Biology, General. | $117,900 | $0 | N/A |
| English Language and Literature, General. | $117,900 | $0 | N/A |
| Psychology, General. | $117,900 | $34,900 | N/A |
Peer Comparison
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
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.