College
Is College Worth It Financially? A Data-Driven Answer
College graduates earn $1.2M+ more over a lifetime -- but the ROI varies wildly by major, school, and debt load. Here's the data to help you decide.
Is This Degree Worth It?
Select school + major → see median starting salary, 10-year earnings trajectory, loan payoff timeline, and ROI vs trade school alternatives. Real BLS data.
Is This Degree Worth It?
Wondering if that degree will actually pay off? Let's find out.
We use median salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
This degree looks like a strong investment -- you'd earn $1,491,100 more over your career
Here's what I'd tell a friend
A Business / Finance degree from a public university (in-state) has one of the strongest returns in higher education. With a starting salary around $58,000 growing to $92,000 within 10 years, you'd recoup your $93,000 investment relatively quickly. Your estimated loan payment would be $1,057/month for 10 years.
Total education cost
$93,000
Student loan debt
$93,000
$1,057/mo for 10 years at 6.53% interest
Starting salary
$58,000
Median for Business / Finance graduates (BLS data)
Salary at year 10
$92,000
Total loan interest paid
$33,890
Over the 10-year repayment period
10-year ROI
367%
Return on your education investment after 10 years
vs Trade school (10-year)
$-88,420 behind
Trade school: $15,000 cost, $42,000 starting salary
Break-even vs trade school
Age 33
When cumulative college earnings overtake trade earnings
The Money Friend
This degree looks like a strong investment -- you'd earn $1,491,100 more over your career
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This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Actual costs may vary based on your creditworthiness, location, and lender. Consult a licensed financial advisor or mortgage professional before making financial decisions.
Interest rates, payments, and loan terms shown are examples for illustration purposes only and do not represent an offer to lend, a commitment to make a loan, or a guarantee of any specific rate or term. Actual rates and terms are determined by lenders based on your individual credit profile and may differ from examples shown.
Past performance and historical data do not guarantee future results. Equal Housing Opportunity.