Sophia Alexander
Contents
- ROI isn’t just about the money
- What else matters as ROI for a college degree?
- How do you choose the right path?
What’s the return on investment for college?
When most people think about the ROI of a college degree, they focus on finances—comparing the cost of education to future salary potential. And that makes sense. Degrees from top engineering schools like MIT or Caltech, or prestigious universities like Princeton or UVA, can deliver a 20-year net ROI of close to 20%.
This value comes from factors like available financial aid, graduation rates (at these schools, over 90% of students finish in four years), and the earning potential of graduates.
ROI isn’t just about money
But ROI isn’t purely financial. To really understand the value of a degree, think about the destination.
Imagine planning a trip—you need to know where you’re going first. Otherwise, a map or GPS won’t help. College is the same. Without direction, even the best education might not lead somewhere meaningful.
Take James, for example. His parents pushed him to go to college, but he wasn’t convinced. He wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a firefighter, so a degree didn’t seem necessary. After discussing his interests, values, and long-term goals, we mapped out a plan: he could start at a community college, become an EMT, and work his way up. That path alone would give him a stable, well-paying job.
But when I asked how far he wanted to go in his career, he mentioned eventually leading a department. That kind of role would likely require a bachelor’s—maybe even a master’s. With that bigger vision in mind, college started to make more sense. He ended up enrolling at a four-year university while volunteering at a local fire station. His plan didn’t change—it just expanded to match the future he wanted.
That’s what ROI looks like when it’s tied to purpose.
What else counts as ROI for a college degree?
Personal growth
College isn’t just about academics. It helps students grow—building independence, resilience, and learning from failures. These lessons can matter just as much as the degree itself.
Life experience
A student could earn a degree online for a few thousand dollars, but they’d miss out on campus life, peer connections, and real-world experiences that shape personal growth.
Family legacy
For many families—especially those with first-generation students—a college degree is a major milestone. It carries meaning beyond just career prospects.
Professional connections
Professors, alumni, and guest speakers can open doors to internships, jobs, and mentorships—relationships that shape careers.
Personal fulfillment
Not every student is chasing a high salary. Some want to teach, serve the public, or dive into research. For them, success means doing work that aligns with their values—and meaningful work leads to lower burnout and higher job satisfaction.
How do you find the right path?
Start with academic fit, social fit, and financial fit—but don’t stop there. Ask: What excites your student? What kind of life do they want? Which careers match those answers?
Skills and interests may shift over time, but core values usually stay the same. That’s why they’re the best guide for long-term success and happiness.
Sometimes, the right path is a four-year college. Other times, it’s a trade program, apprenticeship, military service, or a more flexible route. All of these can offer strong returns—if they match the right goals.
The key is knowing where your student wants to go and finding the best way to get there.
Start exploring today. Use our free tools to discover the best college or post-high school path for your student’s goals and values.
