Affordable Colleges With High Returns
Finding an affordable college to attend just got a little bit
easier. At Affordable Colleges Online we’re dedicated to helping
you find the most affordable colleges in the fields you desire. We
know how important a college degree is in today’s job market so
we’ve analyzed the data and come up with this list of the most
affordable colleges with the biggest return on investment. Check
out the results and visit the university websites to find out which
college is right for you. To find out how these colleges made our
top-50 list be sure to read our selection methodology.
Highly respected and trusted data sources were used, including
IPEDS, NCES, Carnegie Classification and Payscale. Special thanks
to Payscale.com, who has pioneered a methodology of collecting
statistically accurate, individualized salary reports, unmatched by
any other information provider.
Return on Investment: $836,000
Avg Starting Salary: $59,000
Tuition and fees: $6,676
Enrollment: 23,017
Website: www.gatech.edu
1
Georgia Institute of Technology
225 North Ave, Atlanta, GA 30332-0530
Ranked #1, The Georgia Institute of Technology is one of the
world’s premier research universities. Ranked seventh among U.S.
News & World Report’s top public universities, the Institute
enrolls over 21,000 students within its 6 colleges. Georgia Tech is
the nation’s leading producer of engineers as well as female and
minority engineering Ph.D. graduates. Holding more than 848 patents
and receiving approximately $689 million in research and
development expenditures, Georgia Tech ranks among the nation’s top
ten universities (without a medical school) in research
expenditures.
Return on Investment: $644,500
Avg Starting Salary: $41,800
Tuition and fees: $5,270
Enrollment: 8,000
Website: www.newpaltz.edu
2
State University of New York at New Paltz
1 Hawk Drive, New Paltz, NY 12561-2443
Top-ranked SUNY New Paltz provides one of the nation’s most
open, diverse, and artistic environments in order to prepare
students to excel in rapidly changing times. The tradition of
intellectual discovery is enhanced by a location of stunning
natural beauty, in a dynamic college town, with easy access to New
York City. The unusually wide array of professional and liberal
arts majors fosters a rich academic milieu in which 8,000
undergraduate and graduate students, selected through a competitive
admissions process, can develop to their highest potential. New
Paltz has been recognized as a “green” school with
environmentally-friendly buildings and campus-wide recycling
programs. With award-winning faculty members, SUNY New Paltz has
been recognized for its value.
Return on Investment: $620,900
Avg Starting Salary: $50,200
Tuition and fees: $9,240
Enrollment: 30,731
Website: www.virginia.edu
3
University of Virginia-Main Campus
1827 University Avenue, Charlottesville, VA 22903
Named the No. 2 best public university by U.S. News and World
Report, University of Virginia was founded by Thomas Jefferson in
1819. The school’s suburban campus features bachelor’s, master’s,
and doctoral degrees in health professions, engineering, education,
psychology, social sciences, and more.
Return on Investment: $568,900
Avg Starting Salary: $50,200
Tuition and fees: $5,297
Enrollment: 51,417
Website: www.tamu.edu
4
Texas A&M University-College Station
805 Rudder Tower, College Station, TX 77843-1244
Texas A&M is the nation’s sixth-largest university, with
more than 50,000 students enrolled in more than 120 undergraduate
degree programs. However, it has the “feel” of a much smaller
campus, thanks to the friendliness personified by the entire Aggie
community in College Station. Its high-achieving students are
challenged by a rigorous curriculum that is complemented by
numerous study-abroad, internship and undergraduate research
opportunities. With more than 800 student organizations on campus,
they also are given a host of opportunities to develop leadership
skills that serve them well after graduation. Home to the George
Bush Presidential Library and Museum, the campus also features
entertainment venues, landmarks, a visitor’s center, and more.
Return on Investment: $551,600
Avg Starting Salary: $50,900
Tuition and fees: $8,852
Enrollment: 33,248
Website: www.vt.edu
5
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
222 Burruss Hall, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0131
Through its missions of learning, discovery, and engagement and
dedication to the university motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve),
Virginia Tech takes a hands-on approach to education. Virginia Tech
offers over 70 undergraduate degree programs and 150 master’s and
doctoral degree programs to more than 30,000 students while
managing a research portfolio of more than $450 million. Through a
combination of competitive tuition and fee rates and increased
funding for student financial aid Virginia Tech is consistently
named a ‘best value’ on several national rankings.
Return on Investment: $544,800
Avg Starting Salary: $44,000
Tuition and fees: $8,270
Enrollment: 9,117
Website: www.wm.edu
6
College of William and Mary
200 Richmond Road, Williamsburg, VA 23187-8795
Considered a “Public Ivy” and one of the world’s great liberal
arts universities, the College of William & Mary blends the
intimacy of a liberal arts college with the reach of a research
university. Founded by Royal Charter in 1693, it is the second
oldest college and the first university in the country. W&M
offers 30 undergraduate and 10 graduate programs in arts &
sciences, business, education, law, and marine science and its
programs regularly place near the top of college rankings. Today,
enrollment stands at just over 8,000 full-time (graduate and
undergraduate) students with a 12:1 student/faculty ratio, among
the lowest of public universities.
Return on Investment: $542,700
Avg Starting Salary: $53,400
Tuition and fees: $5,472
Enrollment: 19,077
Website: www.calpoly.edu
7
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
One Grand Ave, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407
Named the West’s best public master’s-level university for two
decades by U.S. News and World Report, Cal Poly is a comprehensive
polytechnic campus of about 18,000 students on California’s Central
Coast. One of the California State University’s 23 campuses, Cal
Poly provides a renowned Learn by Doing education aimed at
producing innovative professionals and future industry leaders
literate in science and technology as well as the liberal arts.
With graduates who hold a 97% employment rate, Cal Poly is a
nationally-ranked university located on California’s Central Coast.
Admissions are highly competitive with rates below 10% for the
freshman class.
Return on Investment: $542,600
Avg Starting Salary: $50,900
Tuition and fees: $1,395
Enrollment: 1,417
Website: www.maritime.edu
8
Massachusetts Maritime Academy
101 Academy Dr, Buzzards Bay, MA 02532-1803
Massachusetts Maritime Academy was made for sea-loving students.
Graduates go on to serve the maritime industry after a physically
rigorous and mentally challenging academic program. Graduate
programs, continuing education, and maritime training are also
available.
Return on Investment: $518,000
Avg Starting Salary: $47,900
Tuition and fees: $6,966
Enrollment: 43,316
Website: www.umd.edu
9
University of Maryland-College Park
, College Park, MD 20742
The University of Maryland is home to more than 90 majors, 800
clubs and organizations, 20 NCAA Division I teams, and 25 programs
ranked in the top 10 nationally. The suburban campus offers
students numerous opportunities including internships at the White
House, the Smithsonian Institution, and NASA.
Return on Investment: $510,800
Avg Starting Salary: $59,000
Tuition and fees: $7,848
Enrollment: 8,086
Website: www.mst.edu
10
Missouri University of Science and Technology
1870 Miner Circle, Rolla, MO 65409
Often referred to as Missouri S&T, Missouri University of
Science and Technology is a public, state-sponsored college
situated in Rolla. Offering more than 65 degree programs, S&T
is one of the nation’s leading technological research universities.
Students may choose from engineering, business, sciences, the
humanities and liberal arts, as well as pre-professional advising.
Numerous athletic teams compete in NCAA Division II programs and
non-athletes can participate in ROTC or countless other clubs and
organizations. Missouri S&T has received numerous national
accolades for being a “best investment” college, as well as a
premier technological institution.
Return on Investment: $471,400
Avg Starting Salary: $47,600
Tuition and fees: $9,746
Enrollment: 49,554
Website: www.washington.edu
11
University of Washington-Seattle
1400 NE Campus Parkway, Seattle, WA 98195-4550
Located in the heart of Seattle, UW is one the top research
universities in the country. Colleges in arts and sciences,
education, environment, nursing, engineering, public affairs and
more give students a wide variety of programs from which to choose.
A large undergraduate research program encourages students to
conduct their own studies and experiments, and to work closely with
faculty in creating new knowledge.
Return on Investment: $468,200
Avg Starting Salary: $48,400
Tuition and fees: $4,560
Enrollment: 40,203
Website: www.byu.edu
12
Brigham Young University-Provo
Main Campus, Provo, UT 84602
Brigham Young University was established in 1875 to provide
higher education under the principles of The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints. Bachelor’s degrees are available in 193
programs with an additional 62 and 26 master’s and doctoral
degrees, respectively. BYU is home to numerous libraries, museums,
theatres and concert halls.
Return on Investment: $466,400
Avg Starting Salary: $45,800
Tuition and fees: $5,270
Enrollment: 29,576
Website: www.stonybrook.edu
13
Stony Brook University
310 Administration Building, Stony Brook, NY 11794
Stony Brook University is a dynamic public university on the
North Shore of Long Island in New York State. Placed in the top 1%
of universities worldwide by the Times Higher Education World
University Rankings, Stony Brook is a smart choice for your future.
The school offers first-rate opportunities for undergraduate
research and more than 200 majors, minors and combined-degree
programs.
Return on Investment: $464,200
Avg Starting Salary: $48,800
Tuition and fees: $9,794
Enrollment: 55,620
Website: www.utexas.edu
14
The University of Texas at Austin
2400 Inner Campus Drive, Austin, TX 78712
What starts at The University of Texas at Austin changes the
world. UT Austin is among the top public research universities in
the nation, awarding approximately 12,000 degrees each year while
charging lower tuition than most of our peer schools and
continually innovating the classroom experience. The faculty and
students are at the heart of game-changing research in the sciences
and humanities and students receive a top-tier education in a city
regarded as one of the coolest places to live.
Return on Investment: $420,400
Avg Starting Salary: $51,800
Tuition and fees: $8,893
Enrollment: 44,644
Website: www.purdue.edu
15
Purdue University-Main Campus
Hovde Hall of Administration, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2040
Located in West Lafayette, Purdue also has several regional
campuses from which to choose. Purdue offers more than 200 majors
and programs and gives first-year students the opportunity to join
a Learning Community to share in the college experience
together.
Return on Investment: $416,700
Avg Starting Salary: $49,100
Tuition and fees: $5,270
Enrollment: 16,203
Website: www.binghamton.edu
16
SUNY at Binghamton
4400 Vestal Parkway East, Vestal, NY 13850-6000
A world-class institution, Binghamton University offers students
a broad, interdisciplinary education with an international
perspective and one of the most vibrant research programs in the
nation. Ranked among the elite public universities in the country,
Binghamton challenges students academically, not financially, in
its unique, best-of-both-worlds environment. The students, both
undergraduate and graduate, work one-on-one with an exceptional
faculty and groundbreaking scholars. They take advantage of special
academic opportunities like combined degrees, foreign language
study groups and an unparalleled international education
program.
Return on Investment: $401,800
Avg Starting Salary: $48,300
Tuition and fees: $8,256
Enrollment: 27,648
Website: www.uconn.edu
17
University of Connecticut
352 Mansfield Road, Storrs, CT 6269
Students at the University of Connecticut can choose form 102
undergraduate majors, 88 graduate fields of study, and five
professional degree programs. Located in a beautiful rural setting,
there are more than 500 clubs and organizations in which students
may be involved.
Return on Investment: $390,400
Avg Starting Salary: $46,900
Tuition and fees: $8,592
Enrollment: 46,756
Website: www.wisc.edu
18
University of Wisconsin-Madison
500 Lincoln Dr, Madison, WI 53706-1380
Located on the shore of Lake Mendota, the University of
Wisconsin-Madison is home to numerous parks and more than 150 miles
of trails for runners, bikers, and hikers. Degrees are available in
genetics, dairy science, wildlife ecology, international business,
numerous concentrations in education and engineering, plus various
certificate programs. Extracurricular activities are available for
nearly every interest.
Return on Investment: $366,900
Avg Starting Salary: $49,700
Tuition and fees: $1,714
Enrollment: 31,417
Website: www.umass.edu
19
University of Massachusetts Amherst
374 Whitmore Building, Amherst, MA 1003
At Umass Amherst, students may choose from a wide range of
academic programs and unique concentrations or design their own
major through the Bachelor’s Degree with Individual Concentration
program. Students are involved in programs that impact day-to-day
student life, such as the Student Government Association and
Student Leadership Council.
Return on Investment: $364,800
Avg Starting Salary: $55,400
Tuition and fees: $6,960
Enrollment: 24,928
Website: www.erau.edu
20
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide
600 S. Clyde Morris Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32114-3900
This private university has small class sizes and degrees that
focus on aviation, engineering, and business. Embry-Riddle’s main
campus is located at Daytona Beach, Florida with a residential
campus in Prescott, Arizona and has more than 130 satellite
campuses worldwide designed to meet the needs of civilian and
military working adults.
Return on Investment: $361,600
Avg Starting Salary: $45,000
Tuition and fees: $7,672
Enrollment: 36,946
Website: www.colorado.edu
21
University of Colorado Boulder
Regent Drive at Broadway, Boulder, CO 80309-0017
CU-Boulder was founded in 1877 and is the flagship university of
the state. The college embraces diversity and offers a wide range
of resources for every student and interest. More than 150 areas of
study are available to CU-Boulder’s nearly 30,000 students.
Return on Investment: $360,500
Avg Starting Salary: $44,900
Tuition and fees: $4,642
Enrollment: 22,093
Website: www.jmu.edu
22
James Madison University
800 South Main Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22807
JMU is frequently recognized as one of the top universities in
the country. With degree opportunities in communications,
intelligence analysis, justice studies, education, quantitative
finance, and more, students have a broad range of choices. Located
between farmlands and mountain ranges in the Shenandoah Valley
approximately two hours from Washington, D.C., and Richmond, Va.,
JMU is a unique geographic location to live and work.
Return on Investment: $360,400
Avg Starting Salary: $46,800
Tuition and fees: $5,472
Enrollment: 22,770
Website: www.csupomona.edu
23
California State Polytechnic University-Pomona
3801 West Temple Avenue, Pomona, CA 91768
One of only two polytechnic universities in California, Cal Poly
Pomona embraces a learn-by-doing philosophy, turning theory to
practice in every academic discipline. The university recognizes
that students who solve classroom challenges today have an
advantage as professionals solving real-world problems tomorrow.
Cal Poly Pomona, nestled in 1,438 rolling acres is located about 30
miles east of downtown Los Angeles and enjoys a suburban setting
with all the luxuries of a major metropolitan area.
Return on Investment: $356,500
Avg Starting Salary: $47,600
Tuition and fees: $6,752
Enrollment: 45,933
Website: www.gmu.edu
24
George Mason University
4400 University Dr, Fairfax, VA 22030-4444
George Mason University is an innovative, entrepreneurial
institution with global distinction in a range of academic fields.
Located in Northern Virginia near Washington, D.C., Mason provides
students access to diverse cultural experiences and the most
sought-after internships and employers in the country. Mason offers
strong undergraduate and graduate degree programs in engineering
and information technology, organizational psychology, health care
and visual and performing arts. George Mason University—Where
Innovation Is Tradition.
Return on Investment: $351,000
Avg Starting Salary: $46,200
Tuition and fees: $4,060
Enrollment: 48,975
Website: www.ufl.edu
25
University of Florida
355 Tigert Hall, Gainesville, FL 32611-3115
The University of Florida is one of the nation’s most
academically diverse public universities with 16 colleges, more
than 100 undergraduate majors, and almost 200 graduate programs.
Through its new January-through-August Innovation Academy, it
offers a minor in innovation. In the coming year, UF Online will
offer full four-year online bachelor’s degree programs. UF is
located in Gainesville.
Return on Investment: $350,100
Avg Starting Salary: $45,400
Tuition and fees: $9,760
Enrollment: 8,486
Website: www.tcnj.edu
26
The College of New Jersey
2000 Pennington Road, Ewing, NJ 08628-0718
The College of New Jersey is ranked as one of the most
competitive schools in the country and has earned national
recognition for the excellence it displays through its students,
faculty, and academic programs. Students are encouraged to broaden
their horizons through TCNJ’s 150+ extracurricular organizations.
An award-winning First-Year Experience and freshman orientation
program ensures that students are successful.
Return on Investment: $329,700
Avg Starting Salary: $47,000
Tuition and fees: $5,153
Enrollment: 40,165
Website: www.ncsu.edu
27
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
2101 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC 27695-7001
Located in the heart of Raleigh, North Carolina, NC State offers
research opportunities to its undergraduate population, helping to
put their studies to practice and allowing them to be more
competitive in the job market and when applying to graduate school.
More than 34,000 students attend this globally-recognized
university.
Return on Investment: $328,000
Avg Starting Salary: $47,000
Tuition and fees: $4,699
Enrollment: 35,105
Website: www.ttu.edu
28
Texas Tech University
Broadway and University Avenue, Lubbock, TX 79409-5005
A major research university, Texas Tech is proud to maintain the
feel of a smaller institution. Graduate and undergraduate
enrollments are at record levels. The faculty and students are
winning international acclaim and they are recruiting and hiring
top-flight faculty in a variety of disciplines. The goal at Texas
Tech is simple: become one of the nation’s great research
universities.
Return on Investment: $303,700
Avg Starting Salary: $47,600
Tuition and fees: $9,670
Enrollment: 23,239
Website: www.udel.edu
29
University of Delaware
104 Hullihen Hall, Newark, DE 19716
Started as a small private academy in 1743, the University of
Delaware has grown to serve more than 20,000 graduate and
undergraduate students with associate, bachelor, master, doctoral,
and dual graduate programs. UD has state-of-the-art academic and
public facilities and offers 21 intercollegiate athletics programs
as well as 300 student organizations. The Carnegie Foundation for
the Advancement of Teaching has identified UD as a research
university with very high research activity, making UD one of the
premier research institutions in the nation.
Return on Investment: $302,900
Avg Starting Salary: $42,000
Tuition and fees: $7,296
Enrollment: 26,840
Website: www.auburn.edu
30
Auburn University
Auburn, Alabama, Auburn University, AL 36849
Auburn is one of the few universities to hold land, sea, and
space grants and is among the largest universities in the South.
Auburn’s 25,000 students can choose form 140 undergraduate,
graduate, and professional degrees in architecture, forestry,
veterinary science, interior design, and more. New and continuing
students benefit from the college’s academic coaching and
counseling and Study Smart program.
Return on Investment: $294,800
Avg Starting Salary: $51,100
Tuition and fees: $5,472
Enrollment: 31,575
Website: www.sjsu.edu
31
San Jose State University
1 Washington Sq, San Jose, CA 95192-0001
SJSU’s beginnings were as a normal school, training teachers to
educate the children of the new frontier. Now, the university
offers students 134 bachelor’s and master’s degrees with 110
concentrations. Located at the southern end of San Francisco Bay,
students enjoy SJSU’s varied athletics, recreation, entertainment,
arts, culture, and student activities.
Return on Investment: $285,300
Avg Starting Salary: $43,700
Tuition and fees: $9,374
Enrollment: 29,962
Website: www.wsu.edu
32
Washington State University
French Administration Building, Pullman, WA 99164-5910
WSU has earned national recognition for many of its programs,
including its community engagement, research activity, and awards
for many of its specific academic colleges. In addition to the main
Pullman campus, WSU’s 26,000 students also attend classes in
Spokane, Tri-Cities, Vancouver, and globally through eLearning,
online degrees, and additional opportunities.
Return on Investment: $284,200
Avg Starting Salary: $45,700
Tuition and fees: $6,408
Enrollment: 31,501
Website: www.iastate.edu
33
Iowa State University
3410 Beardshear Hall, Ames, IA 50011-2030
With 100 majors and more than 800 student organizations,
students are certain to find coursework and activities of interest
here. Iowa State is located in the scenic town of Ames and serves
more than 30,000 students. The university’s learning communities, a
nationally-rated program that assists students through their first
years of college life, boast a 70% new student participation.
Return on Investment: $279,000
Avg Starting Salary: $47,000
Tuition and fees: $6,228
Enrollment: 28,188
Website: www.oregonstate.edu
34
Oregon State University
1500 S.W. Jefferson, Corvallis, OR 97331
Oregon State University is Oregon’s leading public research
university, with more than 26,000 students in 13 colleges and
nearly 300 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Oregon State
attracts more top students than any other university in Oregon,
with more than 2,000 undergraduates participating in research
projects every year. The median income of Oregon State alumni is 50
percent greater than the median income of college graduates
nationwide.
Return on Investment: $276,700
Avg Starting Salary: $57,300
Tuition and fees: $3,430
Enrollment: 2,721
Website: www.sdsmt.edu
35
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
501 E Saint Joseph St, Rapid City, SD 57701-3995
Since 1885, the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology has
been a national leader in preparing world-class engineers and
scientists. Award-winning undergraduate education is enhanced by
graduate education and research and development in areas of
critical need to South Dakota, the nation, and the world. Our
graduates design, construct, and operate the most modern technology
to meet today’s complex challenges and are held in the highest
regard by their fellow leaders in industry, consulting, government,
health, research, and education.
Return on Investment: $270,200
Avg Starting Salary: $42,800
Tuition and fees: $5,128
Enrollment: 32,426
Website: www.unc.edu
36
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
103 South Bldg Cb 9100, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
UNC was the nation’s first public university, opening its doors
in 1795. Located in the college town of Chapel Hill, UNC is
nationally-ranked for its research and offers its 29,000 students a
wide range of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate programs. Campus
recreation helps to round out students’ education with art
galleries, an outdoor education center, intramural sports, and
more.
Return on Investment: $268,600
Avg Starting Salary: $44,700
Tuition and fees: $9,824
Enrollment: 19,185
Website: www.uri.edu
37
University of Rhode Island
Green Hall, 35 Campus Avenue, Kingston, RI 2881
The University of Rhode Island (URI) is the largest university
in the nation’s smallest state. That means offers the cutting-edge
research, discovery, and experiences typically found at much larger
institutions, alongside the friendly, student-centered atmosphere
of smaller institutions. In 2009 and 2011, The Wall Street
Journal’s Smart Money magazine ranked URI top in New England for
“best return on investment.” In 2013, the Princeton Review’s Guide
to Green Colleges name URI onto fate national’s most eco-friendly
campuses for the fourth consecutive year. And in 2008, URI was
listed in The Princeton Review’s Colleges with a Conscience: 81
Great Schools with Outstanding Community Involvement.” With more
than 100 degrees, interdisciplinary programs, and leading problem
solvers, URI inspires its students to provide a constant flow of
big ideas to respond to the world’s changing needs.
Return on Investment: $266,600
Avg Starting Salary: $50,300
Tuition and fees: $6,879
Enrollment: 14,756
Website: www.umbc.edu
38
University of Maryland-Baltimore County
1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250
UMBC is a public honors university with about 10,000 students
choosing from 42 undergraduate majors, 37 master’s programs, and 24
doctoral programs. Located 15 minutes from Baltimore’s Inner Harbor
and 30 minutes from Washington, D.C., UMBC offers a long list of
clubs and activities to help round out students’ education.
Return on Investment: $265,000
Avg Starting Salary: $45,900
Tuition and fees: $5,472
Enrollment: 39,521
Website: www.fullerton.edu
39
California State University-Fullerton
800 N State College Blvd, Fullerton, CA 92831-3599
With an aim to become a model comprehensive university, Cal
State Fullerton offers students educational experiences both in and
outside of the classroom. Located in Orange County, the university
has partnerships with public and private organizations to provide
its 37,000 students the best degree programs possible. Services are
available for freshmen as well as students needing additional
assistance to make the most of their college experience.
Return on Investment: $263,500
Avg Starting Salary: $45,100
Tuition and fees: 10,037
Enrollment: 64,425
Website: www.osu.edu
40
Ohio State University-Main Campus
190 N. Oval Mall, Columbus, OH 43210
Established in 1870, The Ohio State University has been ranked
among the top public universities in the U.S. With 175
undergraduate majors and a total enrollment of nearly 65,000, OSU
offers a wide range of learning and extracurricular activities to
its students. The university’s athletic program is the largest
self-supporting athletics program in the country.
Return on Investment: $261,200
Avg Starting Salary: $44,800
Tuition and fees: $3,849
Enrollment: 30,642
Website: www.ou.edu
41
University of Oklahoma Norman Campus
660 Parrington Oval, Norman, OK 73019-3072
At OU, undergraduate students have the unique opportunity to
work alongside professors and industry leaders to conduct research
projects. Small class sizes add to students’ educational
experience, in addition to the more than 450 clubs and
organizations available. Located in small-town Norman, the
university population still enjoys all the benefits of a big city
with a 20-minute drive to Oklahoma City.
Return on Investment: $249,100
Avg Starting Salary: $47,800
Tuition and fees: $8,094
Enrollment: 8,976
Website: www.uah.edu
42
University of Alabama at Huntsville
301 Sparkman Dr, Huntsville, AL 35899
UAHuntsville serves about 7,700 students, offering 71 degree
programs ranging from bachelor’s degrees to Ph.D. programs. With a
student/faculty ratio of 16:1, students enjoy a close relationship
with their professors. The university also offers professional and
continuing education courses for working professionals looking to
improve their marketability in the workforce.
Return on Investment: $248,900
Avg Starting Salary: $43,000
Tuition and fees: $6,766
Enrollment: 34,000
Website: www.sdsu.edu
43
San Diego State University
5500 Campanile Dr, San Diego, CA 92182
San Diego State University, the region’s largest university, is
a major public research institution offering bachelor’s degrees in
89 areas, master’s degrees in 78 areas and doctorates in 21 areas.
With nearly $130 million in annual research funding, a commitment
to excellence in diversity and a nationally recognized veterans’
program, the university provides opportunities for transformative
educational experiences including undergraduate research,
internships and study abroad. Within minutes of downtown San Diego
and the Pacific Ocean, SDSU enjoys a scenic location.
Return on Investment: $246,600
Avg Starting Salary: $44,300
Tuition and fees: $4,462
Enrollment: 6,049
Website: www.umw.edu
44
University of Mary Washington
1301 College Ave, Fredericksburg, VA 22401-5300
The University of Mary Washington is a premier, selective public
liberal arts and sciences university in Virginia, highly respected
for its commitment to academic excellence, strong undergraduate
liberal arts and sciences program, and dedication to life-long
learning. The university, with a total enrollment of more than
5,000, features colleges of business, education and arts and
sciences, and three campuses, including a residential campus in
Fredericksburg, Va., a second one in nearby Stafford and a third in
Dahlgren, Va., which serves as a center of development of
educational and research partnerships between the Navy, higher
education institutions and the region’s employers.
Return on Investment: $246,100
Avg Starting Salary: $41,100
Tuition and fees: $6,676
Enrollment: 38,822
Website: www.uga.edu
45
University of Georgia
Administration Building, Athens, GA 30602
Located 60 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta, UGA was founded
in 1785. It serves about 35,000 students, including those attending
extended campuses. More than 600 student organizations are
available to students and athletes compete in the NCAA Division I
program.
Return on Investment: $245,200
Avg Starting Salary: $44,100
Tuition and fees: $4,558
Enrollment: 32,013
Website: www.lsu.edu
46
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical
College
156 Thomas Boyd Hall, Baton Rouge, LA 70803-2750
LSU is home to numerous nationally-ranked programs. With degree
programs in agriculture, veterinary medicine, mass communication,
education, engineering, business, and more, students are certain to
find a program of interest. Students can enjoy the many museums,
music venues, theatres, student organizations, and recreational
activities in and around the university.
Return on Investment: $244,700
Avg Starting Salary: $54,400
Tuition and fees: $6,377
Enrollment: 4,987
Website: www.oit.edu
47
Oregon Institute of Technology
3201 Campus Drive, Klamath Falls, OR 97601-8801
Oregon Tech, the only public institute of technology in the
Pacific Northwest, provides a rigorous, practical education while
using cutting-edge application for real-world solutions. To foster
student and graduate success, the university provides an intimate,
hands-on learning environment, focusing on application of theory to
practice. Oregon Tech offers degree programs in engineering, health
technologies, management, and the arts and sciences. When you
graduate, you won’t just find a job, you’ll launch your career.
Return on Investment: $238,600
Avg Starting Salary: $42,100
Tuition and fees: $6,436
Enrollment: 33,952
Website: www.uiowa.edu
48
University of Iowa
101 Jessup Hall, Iowa City, IA 52242-1316
A major national research university, Iowa educates more than
30,000 students. A Big Ten athletic school, more than a million
visitors flock to the university each year to attend athletic
events, participate in conferences and educational programs, or to
enjoy cultural and art exhibitions. Students choose from more than
100 areas of study including seven professional degrees.
Return on Investment: $225,100
Avg Starting Salary: $43,200
Tuition and fees: $5,270
Enrollment: 32,412
Website: www.buffalo.edu
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University at Buffalo
12 Capen Hall, Buffalo, NY 14260-1660
UB was founded in 1846 and is a flagship institution in the
State University of New York system. The student body consists of
nearly 30,000 students studying more than 100 undergraduate
degrees, 205 master’s degrees, 84 doctoral degrees, and 10
professional degrees. At this research-intensive public university,
students may also choose from a wide range of extracurricular
activities.
Return on Investment: $224,300
Avg Starting Salary: $40,100
Tuition and fees: $8,187
Enrollment: 7,016
Website: www.ramapo.edu
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Ramapo College of New Jersey
505 Ramapo Valley Rd, Mahwah, NJ 07430-1680
Consistently ranked a good value, Ramapo College of New Jersey
offers bachelor’s degrees in the arts, business, humanities, social
sciences and the sciences, as well as in professional studies,
which include nursing and social work. In addition, Ramapo College
offers courses leading to teacher certification at the elementary
and secondary levels and six graduate programs. Undergraduates
choose to concentrate their studies in one of five schools with
more than 700 course offerings and 40 academic programs. Ramapo
College boasts an average student/faculty ratio of 18:1 and average
class size of 23, affording students the opportunity to develop
close ties to the College’s exceptional faculty.