College ROI by Major Calculator
How It Works
This college roi by major calculator uses established formulas to provide accurate results.
The basic rule:
- Net Cost = Total College Cost - Scholarships/Grants
- Total Investment = Net Cost + Forgone Income (years x HS avg salary)
- Lifetime Premium = Sum of 30 years (College Salary Growth) - Sum of 30 years (HS Salary Growth)
- ROI = (Lifetime Premium - Total Investment) / Total Investment x 100
Results are estimates. Consult a professional for critical decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is college still worth the cost?
On average, yes — college graduates earn $1.2 million more over a lifetime than high school graduates. However, ROI varies hugely by major. Engineering and CS degrees often return 500-800% while some humanities degrees may never break even if you took on significant debt.
What are the highest ROI college majors?
Computer Science, Engineering (Petroleum, Chemical, Electrical), Nursing, Finance, and Accounting consistently show the highest ROI. Key factors: high starting salary, strong salary growth, and high employment rates.
Should I consider trade school instead?
Trade school can be an excellent alternative. Electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians earn $55-85K with only 1-2 years of training and minimal debt. Many trades have ROI comparable to top college majors.
Does the school you attend matter for ROI?
For most fields, the specific school matters less than the major and completion. Elite school premiums mainly help in finance, law, and consulting. For engineering, nursing, and tech, state school graduates often achieve similar lifetime earnings.