College ROI Calculator

Estimate whether a degree pays off by comparing lifetime earnings with and without it, after tuition and student loan interest.

Your numbers

Lifetime net benefit$1,654,229
Payback period
4 years
Annual earnings premium (year 1)
$23,000
Cumulative net benefit of the degree
-$500K$0$500K$1M$1.5M$2M0510152025303540Net benefit · 0: -$80,000Net benefit · 1: -$57,000Net benefit · 2: -$33,310Net benefit · 3: -$8,909Net benefit · 4: $16,223Net benefit · 5: $42,110Net benefit · 6: $68,773Net benefit · 7: $96,237Net benefit · 8: $124,524Net benefit · 9: $153,659Net benefit · 10: $183,669Net benefit · 11: $214,579Net benefit · 12: $246,417Net benefit · 13: $279,209Net benefit · 14: $312,985Net benefit · 15: $347,775Net benefit · 16: $383,608Net benefit · 17: $420,517Net benefit · 18: $458,532Net benefit · 19: $497,688Net benefit · 20: $538,019Net benefit · 21: $579,559Net benefit · 22: $622,346Net benefit · 23: $666,416Net benefit · 24: $711,809Net benefit · 25: $758,563Net benefit · 26: $806,720Net benefit · 27: $856,322Net benefit · 28: $907,411Net benefit · 29: $960,034Net benefit · 30: $1,014,235Net benefit · 31: $1,070,062Net benefit · 32: $1,127,563Net benefit · 33: $1,186,790Net benefit · 34: $1,247,794Net benefit · 35: $1,310,628Net benefit · 36: $1,375,347Net benefit · 37: $1,442,007Net benefit · 38: $1,510,667Net benefit · 39: $1,581,387Net benefit · 40: $1,654,229

How the college roi calculator works

Net benefit = (salary with degree − salary without) × working years − total cost of attendance (including interest). Payback = cost ÷ annual earnings premium.

Example

Using the default inputs (Net cost of degree: $80,000; Starting salary with degree: $65,000; Salary without degree: $42,000; Salary growth / yr: 3%; Working years: 40), the calculator returns lifetime net benefit of $1,654,229. Change any field above to see your own result and charts update instantly.

Good for these goals

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Frequently asked questions

Does a degree always pay off?

On average yes, but returns vary widely by major, school price and completion.

What costs are included?

Tuition, housing and fees, minus aid, plus forgone earnings if you add them.

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Estimates are for educational purposes only and are not financial, tax or legal advice. Results depend on your inputs and simplified assumptions; tax figures reflect 2026 federal rules and may differ from your situation. See our disclaimer. © 2026 FinanzCalc.