Salem, VA · Private University
Is Roanoke College Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$58,047
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$36,774
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$36,774
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$147,096
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.58x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
6.4 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
65.9%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$27,000
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$27,786
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Roanoke College graduates earn $13,047 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Roanoke College ranked by graduate earnings
40 graduates
94 graduates
33 graduates
24 graduates
50 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Roanoke College
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Health and Physical Education/FitnessBest ROI | $58,080 | 1.6x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $53,973 | 1.5x |
| Biology, General | $51,790 | 1.4x |
| History | $46,933 | 1.3x |
| Psychology, General | $46,137 | 1.3x |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research(1yr data) | $39,588 | 1.1x |
| Sociology(1yr data) | $38,983 | 1.1x |
| Communication and Media StudiesLowest(1yr data) | $36,220 | 1.0x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Roanoke College offers solid financial returns relative to its cost. Graduates earn $58,047 10 years after starting, $13,047 above the national median of $45,000. Graduates typically break even on their investment within 6.4 years, a reasonable timeline.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.