Going to college in the U.S. is more expensive than ever. According to EducationData.org, the average annual cost of attending a four-year university is now $36,436. With that investment, you’ll want to ensure your degree will carry weight in the job market.
Our list of the twenty U.S. colleges with the highest return on investment (ROI) will help you choose a college that will earn back its cost over the long term.
Our Ranking Criteria
To assemble our list, we used data from Georgetown University’s “Ranking ROI Of 4,500 US Colleges And Universities” study. We only included four-year institutions offering bachelor’s degrees and ranked them according to their 40-year net present value (NPV). To learn more about 40-year NPV and our other ranking criteria, read the descriptions below:
40-year NPV
Net present value (NPV) is a way of representing the value of an investment, taking into account a range of factors such as inflation and earning potential. You can calculate a school’s NPV over a shorter time frame, such as 10, 20, or 30 years, but we have based our list on a 40-year NPV to provide the most long-term assessment of value.
For example, a public college may have a higher 10-year NPV than a private institution because of lower costs but a lower 40-year NPV due to reduced earning potential.
Cost of attendance
It’s also important to consider a school’s cost of attendance, which includes tuition, fees, housing, and study materials. We’ve used data from the 2023 to 2024 school year.
Median debt and seven-year repayment rate
Median debt is the amount of student loan debt that the average student graduates with, while the seven-year repayment rate is the percentage of graduates who have paid at least some of their student loan principal during that time frame. The higher the repayment rate, the more confident you can be that graduates are finding jobs with enough income to cover their loan payments.
Graduation rate
Finally, we have also included the school’s graduation rate. In this case, we relied on data from the Georgetown University study showing the percentage of full-time students who have completed a four-year degree within six years of their initial enrollment.
The 20 Colleges With the Highest ROI
1. University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis
The University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis focuses on biomedical degrees, including Biochemistry and Neuroscience. Students can choose from multiple programs, such as the six-year Doctor of Pharmacy degree or a seven-year program with a bachelor’s degree and a pharmacy degree. This school is one of a few to rank in the top tier for 15, 20, 30, and 40-year NPV.
- 40-Year NPV: $2,680,000
- Average Cost of Attendance: $46,795
- Median Debt: $15,000
- 7-Year Repayment Rate: 92%
- Graduation Rate: 84%
- Location: St. Louis, MO
2. Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
The Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (ACPHS) has welcomed students since 1881. Its focus on healthcare, medicine, and bioscience puts it at the forefront of the industry, making it a good choice for long-term career prospects and high earning potential. ACPHS has a 40-year NPV of over $2.6 million and a seven-year repayment rate of 95%. So you can feel good about paying back your debt and reaching a high earning potential in the long run. Bachelor’s programs include Pre-Med, Microbiology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Biomedical Technology.
- 40-Year NPV: $2,608,000
- Average Cost of Attendance: $58,442
- Median Debt: $25,000
- 7-Year Repayment Rate: 95%
- Graduation Rate: 68%
- Location: Albany, NY
3. Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
The Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences trains students to be nurse practitioners, physician assistants, physical therapists, dentists, and more, with over 100 programs in all. Although its undergraduate fees vary widely, graduates can expect to leave with a median student loan debt of $25,000. MCPHS has a 40-year NPV of $2.5 million and a student loan repayment rate of 91% over seven years.
- 40-Year NPV: $2,509,000
- Average Cost of Attendance: $62,080
- Median Debt: $25,000
- 7-Year Repayment Rate: 91%
- Graduation Rate: 73%
- Location: Boston, MA
4. California Institute of Technology
Caltech is a research institution focusing on the sciences, ranging from Applied Physics to Bioengineering. With a 40-year NPV of nearly $2.5 million, this school ranks highly for students pursuing a career in these fields. Caltech’s fees and tuition costs are relatively high for undergraduates, but 93% of students graduate within the expected timeframe and end up with a median debt of under $10,000.
- 40-Year NPV: $2,490,000
- Average Cost of Attendance: $86,886
- Median Debt: $9,867
- 7-Year Repayment Rate: N/A
- Graduation Rate: 93%
- Location: Pasadena, CA
5. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
MIT is one of the most well-known research institutions in the country, so it’s no surprise it ranks highly on the list of colleges with the best ROI. With over 30 departments, students can pursue degrees in architecture, engineering, computing, and more. Although MIT’s undergraduate tuition is relatively steep, students can expect to graduate with a median debt of $12,000 and a repayment rate of 94%.
- 40-Year NPV: $2,490,000
- Average Cost of Attendance: $82,730
- Median Debt: $12,000
- 7-Year Repayment Rate: 94%
- Graduation Rate: 95%
- Location: Cambridge, MA
6. Harvey Mudd College
Harvey Mudd College provides a Common Core curriculum in STEM subjects and the option to choose a major in Biology, Computer Science, and other related fields. Although tuition and fees can be high at this school, students graduate with a median debt of $19,500 and a 40-year NPV of over $2.3 million. HMC’s focus on science and engineering makes it a good choice for students in these fields.
- 40-Year NPV: $2,370,000
- Average Cost of Attendance: $89,115
- Median Debt: $19,500
- Graduation Rate: 92%
- Location: Claremont, CA
7. Bentley University
Bentley University is a business school that offers a wide range of majors, from Finance to Public Policy. With an 89% graduation rate and 95% repayment rate, students can look forward to solid career prospects and a 40-year NPV of over $2.2 million. Bentley also has opportunities for internships, corporate partnerships, and service-learning projects to provide students with hands-on experience.
- 40-Year NPV: $2,247,000
- Average Cost of Attendance: $80,670
- Median Debt: $23,250
- 7-Year Repayment Rate: 95%
- Graduation Rate: 89%
- Location: Waltham, MA
8. Babson College
Babson College provides a multi-disciplinary education with over 25 concentrations, including Entrepreneurship and Global Business Management. Babson graduates can expect an average starting salary of $71,385 and a 40-year NPV of $2,242,000. Students have a median debt of just over $20,000 when they graduate with a four-year degree.
- 40-Year NPV: $2,242,000
- Average Cost of Attendance: $80,242
- Median Debt: $20,500
- 7-Year Repayment Rate: 94%
- Graduation Rate: 92%
- Location: Babson Park, MA
9. University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania is one of the oldest learning institutions in the country, with a history dating back to 1740. This Ivy League university has a 40-year NPV of $2.2 million and a median debt of $14,000. Prospective students can choose from 99 majors in four schools, including the College of Arts & Sciences and the prestigious Wharton School of Business.
- 40-Year NPV: $2,211,000
- Average Cost of Attendance: $89,028
- Median Debt: $14,000
- 7-Year Repayment Rate: 91%
- Graduation Rate: 96%
- Location: Philadelphia, PA
10. Stanford University
Stanford has around 7,000 students pursuing nearly 70 majors, ranging from Aeronautics to Urban Studies. The average cost of attendance at Stanford is relatively high, but remember that this figure doesn’t account for financial aid — most Stanford students receive scholarships, grants, and other forms of assistance. Although exact costs vary by degree, Stanford graduates can expect to leave with a median debt level of $11,000.
- 40-Year NPV: $2,200,000
- Average Cost of Attendance: $122,262
- Median Debt: $11,000
- 7-Year Repayment Rate: 93%
- Graduation Rate: 94%
- Location: Stanford, CA
11. Princeton University
Founded in 1746, this Ivy League institution is the fourth-oldest college in the United States. Princeton has been named the nation’s overall #1 university by U.S. News & World Report, with exceptionally high rankings for its computer science, engineering, and economics programs. Whatever you decide to major in, Princeton’s reputation and extensive alumni network will help you access lucrative opportunities in your field.
- 40-Year NPV: $2,126,000
- Average Cost of Attendance: $83,140
- Median Debt: $10,355
- 7-Year Repayment Rate: 92%
- Graduation Rate: 97%
- Location: Princeton, NJ
12. Carnegie Mellon University
Andrew Carnegie and Andrew Mellon, two of the most successful business leaders in American history, established their colleges in the early twentieth century — the Carnegie Institute of Technology and the Mellon Institute of Industrial Research. In 1967, these institutions merged into Carnegie Mellon University. Given the school’s history, it’s no surprise that Carnegie Mellon currently offers one of the best business programs in the country. They offer degree programs for a variety of other subject areas as well, including architecture, drama, machine learning, and robotics.
- 40-Year NPV: $2,119,000
- Average Cost of Attendance: $79,728
- Median Debt: $19,000
- 7-Year Repayment Rate: 95%
- Graduation Rate: 90%
- Location: Pittsburgh, PA
13. University of the Sciences
The University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, PA, has over 100 laboratories spanning programs like Biochemistry, Public Health, and Environmental Science. Graduates can expect to leave with around $27,000 in student loan debt. USciences promises a fixed tuition rate, so you know exactly what you’ll spend on your four-year degree.
- 40-Year NPV: $2,080,000
- Average Cost of Attendance: $49,444
- Median Debt: $26,920
- 7-Year Repayment Rate: 90%
- Graduation Rate: 77%
- Location: Philadelphia, PA
14. Stevens Institute of Technology
The Stevens Institute of Technology focuses on innovation and entrepreneurship, with most students required to produce a Senior Design Project as undergraduates. The school has a 40-year NPV of $2,047,000 and a graduation rate of 86%. Students can enroll in one of the four schools and colleges that make up the institute, including the School of Business and the College of Arts and Letters.
- 40-Year NPV: $2,047,000
- Average Cost of Attendance: $81,922
- Median Debt: $25,000
- 7-Year Repayment Rate: 93%
- Graduation Rate: 86%
- Location: Hoboken, NJ
15. Georgetown University
Georgetown University is a research university in Washington, D.C., nearly as old as the U.S. itself. Areas of study include Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Business and Global Affairs, and Data Science. While your earning potential may vary depending on your course of study, Georgetown’s overall ROI is around $2 million over 40 years. It also has an impressive graduation rate of 95% and a seven-year repayment rate of 91%.
- 40-Year NPV: $2,027,000
- Average Cost of Attendance: $86,551
- Median Debt: $14,493
- 7-Year Repayment Rate: 91%
- Graduation Rate: 95%
- Location: Washington, DC
16. Lehigh University
Lehigh University stands out as an excellent option for students interested in international experiences, as they offer over 300 study abroad programs in 74 countries. There are 111 undergraduate degree programs for you to choose from, and graduates have an average starting salary of $75,000.
- 40-Year NPV: $2,019,000
- Average Cost of Attendance: $78,650
- Median Debt: $20,024
- 7-Year Repayment Rate: 94%
- Graduation Rate: 89%
- Location: Bethlehem, PA
17. California State University Maritime Academy
CSUM offers several degree programs for students who want to learn about Business Administration, Marine Transportation, and Oceanography. As a public university, it is an excellent choice for California residents due to the reduced tuition rates for in-state students. CSUM has a lower graduation rate than some of the other choices on our list, only 64%, but it still provides a good long-term ROI with a 40-year NPV of nearly $2 million.
- 40-Year NPV: $1,977,000
- Average Cost of Attendance: $30,217
- Median Debt: $19,500
- 7-Year Repayment Rate: 84%
- Graduation Rate: 64%
- Location: Vallejo, CA
18. Duke University
With an admission rate of just 6%, Duke University is more selective than some Ivy League schools. It’s easy to see why so many people apply to Duke, as this university is renowned for the quality of its faculty and facilities. In particular, Duke’s Fuqua School of Business, Sanford School of Public Policy, and Pratt School of Engineering are widely regarded as some of the best programs in their respective fields.
- 40-Year NPV: $1,976,000
- Average Cost of Attendance: $89,998
- Median Debt: $12,500
- 7-Year Repayment Rate: 93%
- Graduation Rate: 95%
- Location: Durham, NC
19. Massachusetts Maritime Academy
The Massachusetts Maritime Academy offers programs in Marine Engineering, Marine Transportation, International Maritime Business, and more. MMA does not require you to join the Armed Forces after graduation but does offer training on the USTS Kennedy training ship. MMA has a 75% graduation rate and a 40-year NPV of $1,971,000, with different tuition rates for in-state and out-of-state students.
- 40-Year NPV: $1,971,000
- Average Cost of Attendance: $44,064
- Median Debt: $23,099
- 7-Year Repayment Rate: 88%
- Graduation Rate: 75%
- Location: Buzzards Bay, MA
20. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Established in 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is the oldest technological university in the United States. The school offers exceptional facilities for STEM students, including an astronomical observatory, a state-of-the-art cleanroom and characterization core for nanotechnology research, and the most powerful supercomputer housed at a private university.
- 40-Year NPV: $1,949,000
- Average Cost of Attendance: $82,404
- Median Debt: $21,000
- 7-Year Repayment Rate: 94%
- Graduation Rate: 85%
- Location: Troy, NY
Why Should You Care About Your College’s ROI?
There are plenty of reasons to attend college, from pursuing a field of study you are passionate about to simply exploring new perspectives and ideas. Your choice of school can have an impact on your earning potential, how much student loan debt you will graduate with, and how quickly you will be able to pay it off.
By considering a school’s ROI, you can get a more realistic sense of how your degree will impact your finances in the long run. The higher the ROI, the more you can expect to earn in your career relative to what you spent on your degree. You may be able to pay your student loans off faster than if you went to a school with a lower ROI.
That said, not everyone should choose a college based on its 40-year NPV. If you are enrolling in college later in life, for example, you may want to choose a program that will boost your career prospects more quickly.
ROI is not everything, but it is an important metric to consider, along with other factors such as the seven-year repayment rate and graduation rate.