The ROI of a College Degree Isn’t Always About Money

What’s the return on investment when it comes to college?

Most people think about the ROI on a college degree in financial terms, like how much a degree costs versus how much it pays off in salary later. And there’s truth to that. A degree from top engineering schools like MIT or Caltech, or from highly ranked public and private universities such as Princeton or UVA, can result in a 20-year net ROI of nearly 20%. 

Contributing factors to this value include the amount of financial aid available, the time it takes students to graduate (at these schools, 90% or more students finish in four years), and the kinds of salaries graduates earn.

ROI isn’t always about money

Still, ROI isn’t just about money. To understand the value a college degree provides students, it helps to consider the destination.

When planning a trip, the first step is picking where you want to go. Without that, a map or GPS is useless. College works the same way. Without a clear direction, even the best education might not lead anywhere meaningful.

Take James, for example. His parents were set on him going to college. James wasn’t so sure. He wanted to become a firefighter like his father and didn’t see the need for a degree. After talking through his interests, values, and long-term goals, I helped him outline a plan: he could go to community college, become an EMT, and work his way up. That alone would land him a stable, well-paying job.

But when I asked him how far he wanted to take his career, he said he wanted to lead a department someday. That kind of leadership role would likely require a bachelor’s degree, maybe even a master’s. With that bigger picture in mind, the idea of college started to make more sense. He ended up enrolling at a four-year university while volunteering with a local fire department. His plan hadn’t changed completely. It had just expanded. And it aligned better with the future he saw for himself.

That’s what ROI looks like when it’s rooted in purpose.

What else counts as ROI on a college degree?

Personal development

College isn’t just about academics. It can help students become more independent, build resilience, and learn from setbacks. These life lessons often matter just as much, if not more, than the degree itself.

Life experience

A student can earn a degree online for a few thousand dollars, but they'll probably miss out on peer interaction, real-world experiences, and the kind of growth that comes from being part of a campus community.

Family legacy

For many families, especially those where a student would be the first to attend college (first-generation student), earning a college degree is a milestone. It carries meaning that goes beyond job prospects. 

Professional network connections

Professors, alumni, and guest speakers can all help students make meaningful career connections. These relationships often open doors to internships, job opportunities, and mentorships.

Personal fulfillment

Not every student is chasing a high salary. Some want to teach, work in public service, or pursue scientific research. For them, the reward comes from doing meaningful work that aligns with their values. Moreover, work with meaning and purpose is connected to lower rates of burnout and job dissatisfaction.

How do you find the right path?

Start with academic fit, social fit, and financial fit. But don’t stop there. Look at what drives your student. What do they find interesting? What kind of life do they want to build? And which careers align with those answers?

Skills and interests may change over time. Values, on the other hand, tend to stay consistent. So they’re often the clearest guide to long-term success and satisfaction.

Sometimes, that path will include a four-year college. Other times, it may lead to a trade program, an apprenticeship, military service, or a more flexible route. All of these can offer meaningful returns when matched with the right goals.

What matters most is knowing where your student wants to go and finding the best way to get there.

Start exploring today. Use our free tools to find the college or post-high school path that fits your student’s goals and values.