Financial Analysis Tool
Degree ROI Calculator: Is Your Degree Worth It?
Calculate the return on investment (ROI) of your college degree. Find your break-even point and lifetime earnings premium compared to a high school diploma.
Degree Details
Include tuition, fees, room & board, books
Check BLS.gov or PayScale for your major
What you could earn with high school diploma only
Federal loans: 5.5-8% (2025)
What this measures
Financial Return
Return on Investment
0%
Marginal ROI
Break-Even Point
0.0 years
Time to recover your investment
Lifetime Earnings Premium
$0
Extra earnings over 40-year career
✓ Financially Worth It
Strong financial return expected. Degree should pay for itself within a reasonable timeframe.
Maximize your ROI
- • Choose high-demand majors (STEM, healthcare, business)
- • Minimize debt with scholarships and community college
- • Complete degree in 4 years to reduce opportunity cost
- • Pursue internships to boost starting salary
Understanding Degree ROI
Return on Investment (ROI) measures whether your degree is worth the financial cost. It accounts for tuition, lost earnings while in school, and the salary premium you gain with a degree.
Median Earnings by Degree (US Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- • Doctoral Degree: $1,885/week ($98,000/year)
- • Master's Degree: $1,545/week ($80,000/year)
- • Bachelor's Degree: $1,334/week ($69,000/year)
- • Associate Degree: $963/week ($50,000/year)
- • High School Diploma: $809/week ($42,000/year)
- • No High School Diploma: $632/week ($33,000/year)
Highest ROI Majors
Majors with strong financial returns:
- • Engineering (Computer, Electrical, Mechanical)
- • Computer Science & Information Technology
- • Nursing & Healthcare (RN, Pharmacy, Physician Assistant)
- • Business & Finance (Accounting, Economics)
- • Mathematics & Statistics
Factors Beyond Money
While ROI is important, college offers non-financial benefits: networking, personal growth, critical thinking skills, and career opportunities that aren't purely salary-based. Some degrees (education, social work, arts) have lower ROI but high personal/social value.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes. Actual earnings vary widely by location, industry, experience, and individual circumstances. Data sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, College Board, Federal Reserve.