William & Mary 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 William & Mary costs about $100,160 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $62,959 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 3.6 years (20-year ROI: 458%).
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$100,160
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$27,959/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
3.6 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
458%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
The one-year return on investment for William & Mary graduates is $49,873, which is nearly double the in-state tuition cost of $25,040. Within five years of graduation, earnings increase to $62,959. By the tenth year, graduates earn $73,490.
The median debt for William & Mary graduates is $18,500. With a one-year salary of $49,873, the debt-to-income ratio is 0.37.
Based on the provided data, it would take less than one year for a graduate to earn back the amount of their median debt.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$25,040
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,500
Median Earnings (5yr)
$62,959
Graduation Rate
91%
Receive Financial Aid
23%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $95,418 | 1106% |
| Political Science and Government | $60,113 | 401% |
| Law | $93,684 | 1072% |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $49,592 | 191% |
| Psychology, General | $51,232 | 224% |
| Biology, General | $47,139 | 142% |
| Economics | $72,419 | 647% |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $58,114 | 362% |
| History | $49,311 | 186% |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | $0 | N/A |
| International Relations and National Security Studies | $66,955 | 538% |
| Curriculum and Instruction | $49,542 | 190% |
| Mathematics | $91,943 | 1037% |
| English Language and Literature, General | $51,194 | 223% |
| Public Policy Analysis | $76,757 | 734% |
| Neurobiology and Neurosciences | $58,560 | 370% |
| Chemistry | $72,660 | 652% |
| Educational Administration and Supervision | $87,616 | 951% |
| Area Studies | $59,898 | 397% |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics | $0 | N/A |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services | $53,866 | 277% |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $0 | N/A |
Peer Comparison
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.