Students are increasingly holding their institutions accountable and asking for details and data on their return on investment–sometimes also called a return on education. There are several critical factors that go into college ROI and what it offers students post-graduation.
Higher-ed company Juno analyzed a number of data points to compile a list of the 2021 Best Value College Rankings, which are based on how long in years it takes a student to have a positive return on their college investment. The main variables in Juno’s methodology include average earnings two years after graduation, the average earnings for high school graduates, and whether the school is for-profit or not-for-profit.
Up until a student graduates from college, “college investment” will usually be negative because they are paying more in tuition than they earn in full-time income. This is where best-value colleges come in, because they will help students recoup that investment in just a few years after graduating. That exact moment is called the break-even point.” Other colleges may take much longer to help students recoup those tuition dollars and lost wages.
- Weak tech could push students, faculty to other institutions - April 13, 2026
- 13 predictions about edtech, innovation, and–yes–AI in 2026 - January 1, 2026
- 5 essential dimensions of AI literacy - December 12, 2025