College Cost & ROI Calculator
Is the degree worth it? Estimate the total cost and the payback from the earnings premium a degree provides.
College savings and financial-aid tools
Learn moreCost vs the earnings premium
A degree’s value is the earnings premium it unlocks over a lifetime, weighed against its cost and the years of foregone income. The averages are favorable — bachelor’s holders out-earn high-school grads substantially — but the return varies enormously by major, school cost and whether you finish.
How it’s calculated & sources
Total cost = net annual cost × years. Annual premium = expected salary with the degree − without it. Simple payback = total cost ÷ premium; the 10-year net gain is ten years of premium minus the cost.
Benchmark: bachelor’s degree holders earn roughly $1.2M more over a career on average, though the premium varies widely by field (BLS / Census).
Results update as you type and are general estimates, not personalized financial, tax, medical or legal advice. Verify with a professional.
Worked example
A $22,000/year net cost over 4 years is $88,000. A $22,000 annual earnings premium pays that back in about 4 years and nets roughly $132,000 over a decade.
Frequently asked questions
Does this include student-loan interest?
No — if you borrow, add interest to the cost. Lower-cost schools and scholarships dramatically improve the return.
What about non-financial value?
Plenty — networks, options and personal growth aren’t captured here. But the financial payback still varies hugely by major and cost, so it’s worth checking.