Is College Worth It? Let's Talk Return on Investment

You’ve probably heard it before: “College is an investment in your future.” But what does that really mean? And more importantly—how do you know if it’s worth it?

When it comes to deciding whether to go to college (or go back to college), one of the biggest questions on your mind is likely return on investment (ROI). Will the money, time, and effort you put into a degree actually pay off?

At Bellevue University, we understand that going to college isn’t just about chasing a passion—it’s also about building a better life for yourself and your family. That’s why we’re breaking down what ROI really looks like in higher education, how to measure it, and what you can do to make the smartest possible investment in your future.

What Is ROI for College?

Let’s start with the basics. Return on Investment (ROI) is a way of measuring the value you get back compared to what you put in. In the case of college, it usually means looking at:

• The cost of your education (tuition, fees, supplies)

• The time you spend completing your degree

• Your future earnings once you’ve graduated

In other words: is your degree going to lead to better job opportunities, higher income, and a more secure financial future than you’d have without it?

When I was 17, I knew that college was the key to a better future. That’s when I decided to join the U.S. Coast Guard. I was excited to start my academic journey, and my advisor at Bellevue University completely changed the game for me. The advisor explained that all the military courses I had taken and the CLEP exams I’d passed while serving counted for college credit! Suddenly, the path to completing my education seemed much clearer and faster. I transferred to Bellevue University and was able to finish my degree in just 18 months. It felt incredible to complete my bachelor’s degree so quickly, and it gave me the confidence to keep moving forward. After graduating, I was promoted at the company I worked for at the time. I didn’t stop there. I knew that to advance in my career, I’d need to keep learning. I decided to pursue a Master's in Human Resources Strategic Management, and once again, Bellevue University’s flexible online programs were key to making it work.

– Maggie Davis, Alum and Military Student

What Factors Influence College ROI?

ROI isn’t set in stone—it’s shaped by a variety of choices you make along the way. Understanding the biggest influences can help you make smarter decisions about where to go, what to study, and how to pay for it. Here are some of the key factors that can impact your return on investment:

1. Cost of Tuition and Financial Aid

This one’s straightforward: the less you pay upfront, the faster and higher your return. Choosing a university with affordable tuition—and one that’s generous with financial aid, scholarships, military benefits, or employer tuition assistance—can dramatically improve your ROI.

At Bellevue University, we’re focused on keeping education accessible. That means:

• Competitive tuition rates (especially compared to many private and out-of-state schools)

• Transfer-friendly credit policies

• Partnerships with employers and the military to reduce out-of-pocket costs

And don’t forget: financial aid isn’t just for 18-year-olds fresh out of high school. Adult learners, career changers, graduate students, and military students often qualify too.

Read more about how to pay for college.

2. Field of Study and Industry Demand

Your return on investment can be influenced by the field you choose to study—because some industries have historically shown higher earning potential than others. That doesn’t mean one degree is better than another, but it’s worth exploring how your interests align with the current job market.

Understanding which fields are growing, where employers are hiring, and what skills are in demand can help you make more informed decisions. For example, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, areas like technology, business, healthcare, and accounting have often aligned with roles in growing sectors. A cybersecurity degree, for instance, can help build the skills often needed for careers in information security. A business degree might open doors to positions in operations, marketing, or project management across a wide range of industries.

That said, fields like education, social work, or the arts may provide different kinds of returns—like meaningful work, creative freedom, or community impact. These careers can also offer advancement opportunities to move into leadership, launch a business or nonprofit, or step into an adjacent career, depending on your goals.

No matter the field, the key is to choose something that fits your interests and values, while also considering what the job landscape looks like now—and what it might look like in the future.

3. Career Pathways and Long-Term Potential

ROI isn’t just about what happens after graduation—it’s about how your degree supports your growth over the long haul. Some degrees help you step directly into a specific career, while others can be applied in many different industries and roles.

The value of your degree can increase over time as you:

• Gain hands-on experience

• Earn promotions

• Take on leadership roles

• Add certifications or new credentials

• Explore new directions within your field

A good ROI often comes from staying adaptable, continuing to build your skills, and leveraging your education in new ways as your career evolves. When looking at a degree program, think about more than just the starting point. Ask yourself:

• Will this degree open up options for me later on?

• Are there opportunities to grow within this field?

• Can I build on this education as my goals change?

At Bellevue University, we support learners at every stage—whether you’re just starting out, switching careers, or planning your next move. Our programs are designed to grow with you, helping you stay competitive and confident no matter where your path takes you.

I wanted to be able to move up the corporate ladder, which requires a degree. I want to get into tech as an analyst or try to get on with a defense contractor. This has been nothing but a hurdle. I work full-time and also have two little children. Completing this degree will open many doors and has allowed me to grow as a person as well.

– James, current student in the BS in Business Analysis & Management degree, former military, and first-generation college student.

How to Evaluate College ROI for Your Goals

There’s no universal formula for deciding if college is “worth it.” ROI depends on your goals, values, and what success looks like to you. Whether you're looking to earn more, switch careers, grow in your current role, or finally finish what you started, here are some ways to evaluate if a degree will deliver the return you're looking for.

1. Research employment trends and opportunities.

Before you commit to a degree program, take a look at what the job market is actually doing. You don’t need to be an economist—just spend a little time researching:

• Job growth projections for the career you're interested in (check out resources like the Occupational Outlook Handbook from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

• Average salaries in your region and for your experience level

• Demand for specific skills (many job sites list top in-demand certifications and qualifications)

• Industries with strong future potential, like tech, healthcare, logistics, and clean energy

If your field is growing and hiring—and your degree will help you meet those job qualifications—you’re more likely to see a solid ROI.

2. Consider alternative pathways and stackable credentials.

Sometimes, the fastest path to your goal isn’t a traditional four-year degree. Maybe you already have experience. Maybe you need something quicker, more affordable, or more focused. That’s where certifications, professional licenses, or microcredentials come in.

Here’s how alternative or “stackable” pathways can help improve ROI:

• They often cost less and take less time than full degrees

• They can get you into the workforce faster, especially in tech, healthcare, or skilled trades

• You can build on them later with a full degree from a school like Bellevue

In fact, many students at Bellevue start with certifications or associate degrees and later “stack” them into a bachelor’s or master’s. It can be a smart way to spread out the investment and start seeing returns earlier.

Learn more about our certificate program and certificates of completion.

How to Maximize the Value of Your College Education

Getting a degree is a big investment—but how you use your time in college can make all the difference in the value you get from it. ROI isn’t just about choosing the right major or landing a job after graduation. It’s also about making the most of the resources, connections, and opportunities available to you along the way.

Here are a few powerful ways to boost your return:

1. Gain real-world experience.

One of the best ways to increase the value of your degree is to apply what you’re learning in real-world settings. That could mean:

• Internships or clinical experiences

• Part-time jobs or apprenticeships in your field

• Volunteer roles that build relevant skills

Not only do these experiences give you a head start on your resume, but they also help you explore what kind of work you enjoy—and what kind of environment you thrive in. At Bellevue University, many programs are designed with working adults in mind, meaning your current job may already contribute to your ROI in meaningful ways.

2. Build your professional network.

It’s often said that “your network is your net worth,” which holds true when it comes to getting the most out of your degree. The people you meet in college—professors, classmates, alumni, and internship supervisors—can open doors, offer mentorship, and connect you to job opportunities down the road.

You can start building your network by:

• Connecting with classmates and professors on LinkedIn

• Attending industry events, virtual webinars, or student organization meetups

• Reaching out to alumni in your field

Even just one meaningful connection can make a big impact on your career trajectory.

3. Take advantage of campus and online resources.

Whether you’re taking classes online or on campus, college is more than lectures and assignments—it’s a full support system designed to help you succeed. And many of those resources are already built into your tuition, so tapping into them is one of the smartest ways to increase the value of your education.

At Bellevue University, students have access to:

• Career services to help with job searching, resume writing, mock interviews, and career planning

• Academic support like tutoring, writing help, and study tools to keep you on track

• Financial advising to help you make informed decisions about paying for college, managing loans, and understanding your aid package

Whether you're trying to choose a major, get through a tough course, or map out your career goals, there’s a team ready to walk alongside you. Reaching out early—and often—can help you stay focused, reduce stress, and get the most out of your college experience.

Making College Worth It—On Your Terms

At the end of the day, college is an investment in you—your skills, your goals, your future. And like any investment, the return depends on a mix of factors: what you study, how you apply what you learn, the support you take advantage of, and the opportunities you pursue along the way.

While every student’s path is different, one thing holds true: you have more control over your ROI than you might think. By choosing a program that fits your life, staying engaged in your learning, and leveraging every available resource, you can shape an educational experience that pays off in more ways than one.

At Bellevue University, we’re here to help you do just that. With career-relevant programs, built-in support, and a focus on real-world outcomes, we’re committed to helping you get the most out of your college journey—on your terms.

Because when your education works for you, the return can last a lifetime.

Find out More About Your Options for Degree Programs at Bellevue University Today!

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