Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering. — ROI at South Dakota State University
SD · Based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data
Financial Breakdown for Mechanical Engineering. at South Dakota State University
Net Annual Cost
$22,761
After grants & scholarships
Median Earnings
$70,114
Median salary after graduation
Net Debt
$27,000
After personal savings applied
20-Year Net ROI Projection
Gross Earnings (20 years)
$70,114 × 20 years
+$1,402,280
Total 4-Year Cost
$22,761 × 4 years
−$91,044
Estimated Debt Payoff ⓘ Includes estimated interest over a standard 10-year repayment plan.
$27,000 principal × 1.35 (interest)
−$36,450
Baseline Opportunity Cost ⓘ The estimated earnings you would make with a high school diploma over 20 years ($42,000/yr), which you forfeit while studying.
$42,000 median no-degree salary × 20 years
−$840,000
20-Year Net ROI
+$434,786
Graduation Rate
59.5%
of students complete their degree
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How we calculate ROI
20-Year Net ROI = Gross Earnings − Total 4-Year Cost − Estimated Debt Payoff − Baseline Opportunity Cost
Baseline assumes $42,000/yr median earnings without a college degree. Debt payoff uses a 1.35× multiplier to account for interest over a standard repayment period.
Data sourced from the U.S. College Scorecard.