University Center, MI · Private University
Is Saginaw Valley State University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$51,955
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$12,240
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$28,752
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$115,008
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.81x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
6.8 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
53.8%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$25,000
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$14,582
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Saginaw Valley State University graduates earn $6,955 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 Saginaw Valley State University ranked by graduate earnings
62 graduates
16 graduates
31 graduates
18 graduates
31 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Saginaw Valley State University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Saginaw Valley State University, the gap between the highest-earning major (Mechanical Engineering: $81,775) and the lowest (Fine and Studio Arts: $23,773) is $58,002/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical EngineeringBest ROI | $81,775 | 2.8x |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering(1yr data) | $78,950 | 2.8x |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $77,019 | 2.7x |
| Computer Systems Analysis | $72,907 | 2.5x |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $70,100 | 2.4x |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $67,509 | 2.4x |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions(1yr data) | $66,597 | 2.3x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $62,291 | 2.2x |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions(1yr data) | $59,937 | 2.1x |
| Business/Commerce, General | $58,706 | 2.0x |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $56,972 | 2.0x |
| Marketing | $54,979 | 1.9x |
| Political Science and Government | $51,567 | 1.8x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $50,789 | 1.8x |
| Special Education and Teaching | $50,545 | 1.8x |
| Biology, General | $49,941 | 1.7x |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $48,310 | 1.7x |
| Social Work | $47,583 | 1.6x |
| Psychology, General | $46,870 | 1.6x |
| Health/Medical Preparatory Programs | $44,414 | 1.5x |
| Design and Applied Arts | $43,435 | 1.5x |
| History | $41,612 | 1.4x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $41,390 | 1.4x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $41,112 | 1.4x |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $40,717 | 1.4x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $40,545 | 1.4x |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies | $35,518 | 1.2x |
| Fine and Studio ArtsLowest | $23,773 | 0.8x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Saginaw Valley State University offers solid financial returns relative to its cost. Graduates earn $51,955 10 years after starting, $6,955 above the national median of $45,000. Graduates typically break even on their investment within 6.8 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.