Financial Toolset

College Major ROI Calculator - Degree Return on Investment

Calculate return on investment for different college majors. Compare earning potential vs student loan debt. Free college major calculator.

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Calculator

$10000$500000
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$20000$200000
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Results

Lifetime Earnings (With Degree)
$0.00
Lifetime Earnings (Without Degree)
$0.00
Net Lifetime Benefit (After Cost)
$0.00
ROI (Return on Investment)
0.0%
Break-Even Point (Years After Graduation)
0.0

College Major Salary Ranges

Engineering: $70k-$90k starting. Computer Science: $75k-$95k. Business: $50k-$65k. Education: $40k-$50k. Liberal Arts: $35k-$45k. Healthcare: $50k-$70k. Lifetime earnings can differ by $1M+ depending on major. However, passion and fit matter too—high earners in any field do well.

Key Financial Terms

Understand the essential concepts behind this calculator

ROI (Return on Investment)

A metric that measures the profitability of an investment by comparing the gain or loss to its cost, expressed as a percentage.

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View all financial terms in our glossary →

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about the College Major ROI Calculator - Degree Return on Investment

Engineering, Computer Science, Nursing, and Finance typically offer highest ROI with starting salaries $60k-$90k. These majors often pay for themselves within 5-10 years. Liberal arts and education have lower starting salaries but can still provide positive lifetime ROI depending on career path and school cost.

📚 Sources & Research

The Knot's 2024 Real Weddings Study: Comprehensive survey of 15,000+ couples providing average wedding costs, regional variations, and industry trends. Used for baseline cost data and guest count analysis.
Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED): Official government data on credit card interest rates, showing average APR of 21.99% as of 2024. Used for credit card financing calculations and warnings.
Bankrate.com Personal Loan Data: Industry analysis of personal loan rates for qualified borrowers, averaging 10.5% APR. Used for loan comparison scenarios and financing recommendations.
IBISWorld Wedding Industry Report: Market research showing 3.2% annual growth in wedding industry over past five years. Provides context for rising costs and industry trends.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards: Professional guidelines for major life event spending, recommending 6-12 months of income maximum for weddings. Used for financial planning recommendations.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): Government data on debt-to-income ratios and loan qualification standards. Used for DTI guidelines and lending criteria.
National Association of Realtors (NAR): Housing market data on down payment requirements and PMI costs. Used for home buying vs. wedding spending comparisons.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): Economic data on household spending patterns and inflation rates. Used for cost-of-living adjustments and regional variations.

Data Collection Date: January 2025

Last Updated: January 2025

Methodology: Analysis combines multiple industry sources, government data, and financial planning best practices to provide comprehensive wedding cost guidance.

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⚠️ Important Disclaimer

This College Major ROI Calculator - Degree Return on Investment provides estimates for educational and informational purposes only. Actual results may vary significantly based on individual circumstances, market conditions, regulatory changes, and other factors beyond the scope of this calculator.

The calculations and projections provided are based on assumptions and historical data that may not reflect future performance.Past performance does not guarantee future results.

This tool is not financial advice, tax advice, legal advice, or investment advice. For personalized guidance tailored to your specific situation, please consult with qualified professionals including:

  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA) for tax matters
  • Licensed attorney for legal matters
  • Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) for investment decisions

Data Accuracy: All data sources, statistics, and rates were verified as accurate as of October 2025. Tax rates, market conditions, and other financial data change over time. Always verify current rates and consult official sources.

No Warranties: While we strive for accuracy, we make no warranties or guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information provided. Use this tool at your own risk.