Bachelor's Degree in Economics. — ROI at University of Chicago
IL · Based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data
Financial Breakdown for Economics. at University of Chicago
Net Annual Cost
$86,856
After grants & scholarships
Median Earnings
$96,012
Median salary after graduation
Net Debt
$13,197
After personal savings applied
20-Year Net ROI Projection
Gross Earnings (20 years)
$96,012 × 20 years
+$1,920,240
Total 4-Year Cost
$86,856 × 4 years
−$347,424
Estimated Debt Payoff ⓘ Includes estimated interest over a standard 10-year repayment plan.
$13,197 principal × 1.35 (interest)
−$17,815
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
+$715,000
Graduation Rate
95.2%
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.