College ROI Calculator

Estimate the financial return on your college investment. Choose a school and major to see projected earnings, payback period, and lifetime value compared to not attending college.

2 years4 years6 years

Select a college above to calculate ROI.

Add a major for more specific earnings estimates.

How This Works

  • Total cost = Average net price × years to graduate
  • Expected earnings = Major-specific earnings (if selected) or school median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
  • Earnings premium = College graduate earnings minus high school graduate average ($35,000/yr)
  • Payback period = Total cost ÷ annual earnings premium
  • Lifetime gain = (Earnings premium × 30 years) minus total cost
  • • Data from U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard