Yale 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
$258,800
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$46,765/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
5.5 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
261%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Yale University's in-state tuition costs $64,700. One year after graduation, the median earnings are $64,379, which is slightly less than the tuition cost. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $81,765, and ten years after graduation, earnings reach $100,533. The median debt for students is $12,975, and 5.8% of students receive financial aid.
The data does not provide enough information to calculate a debt-to-income ratio or a break-even timeline.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$64,700
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,975
Median Earnings (5yr)
$81,765
Graduation Rate
97%
Receive Financial Aid
6%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $187,097 | 1075% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $156,418 | 838% |
| Economics | $125,006 | 596% |
| Political Science and Government | $98,467 | 390% |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | $76,986 | 224% |
| Law | $204,668 | 1211% |
| History | $77,988 | 232% |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $203,685 | 1204% |
| Music | $38,234 | -75% |
| Public Health | $89,809 | 324% |
| Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences | $0 | N/A |
| Theological and Ministerial Studies | $60,076 | 94% |
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.