Return on Investment

When thinking about what path to pursue after high school, an important thing to think about is the "return on investment"... but what is that?? Return on Investment" (ROI) for college is like asking whether going to college is a good financial decision. 

Here's how it works:

Investment: Going to college costs money - tuition fees, books, and other expenses. This is the money you're putting in.

Return: After you graduate, you hope to earn more money because you have a college degree. This is the money you're hoping to get back!

ROI: ROI is like a calculation that helps you figure out if the money you spend on college will give you more money in the future. If the return (the extra money you earn with a degree) is much bigger than the investment (the cost of college), then the ROI is good, and going to college is probably a smart choice. But if the cost is too high, and you don't earn much more with a degree, then the ROI isn't so great, and you might want to consider other options.

In simple terms, "return on investment" for college is about deciding if the money you spend on your education will pay off in the long run by helping you earn more money in your future job.

College Explorer Tool

Let's dive into some data! The Virginia Student Loan Help website offers the College Explorer Tool to not only help you choose the right fit for you, but also show you information on the average return on investment at that school!

What can the College Exploration Tool do for you?

You can look for colleges based on state, whether they're big or small, 2-year or 4-year and if they're public or private. Once you pick a college, you can find out:

• How Much It Costs: Understand the average cost and what it might be based on your family's income.
• School Performance: Check out graduation rates and how many come back the next year.
• Future Earnings: See average salaries 10 years after graduation, including by major.
• Admission Info: Look at average SAT and ACT scores and acceptance rates.
• Loans and Financial Aid: Get info on student loans and Pell grant numbers.
• Who Goes There: Learn about the students who go there, like how many study full-time and their backgrounds.