All I Want for Christmas Is… a Good ROI University

Amanda Rhoden
Dec 3
2 min read

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Choosing a college isn’t just about mascots, merch, or campus tours; it’s a significant investment. And with tuition rising every year, families everywhere are asking:

👉 Is this school actually worth the money?

That’s where ROI, Return on Investment, becomes your holiday hero.

What Is ROI (Return on Investment) in College?

ROI helps you understand whether a degree will pay off after graduation by comparing:

What you spend (tuition, housing, fees, debt)

VS.

What graduates earn (starting salary, job placement, long-term earnings)

A high-ROI university usually offers:

Competitive salaries after graduation
High job placement rates
Affordable tuition and manageable debt
Internships, co-ops, and career support
Strong programs in high-demand fields

Why ROI Matters More Than Rankings

Rankings are fun to browse, but ROI affects your teen’s actual future.

Here’s what the numbers show:

Average student loan debt is ~$29,000.
About 40% of students take six years to finish college, adding extra cost.
Paid internships/co-ops boost starting salaries by 15–20%.
Two schools with similar rankings can differ by $20,000–$50,000/year in real cost.
Public universities often match or exceed private-school earnings in fields like engineering, nursing, and computer sci.
👉 Rankings don’t pay back loans — outcomes do.

Top 10 U.S. Universities With the Best ROI

A mix of public and private schools known for excellent outcomes, strong salaries, and reasonable costs.

1. Georgia Tech

Elite STEM programs, high starting salaries, excellent co-ops and internships.

2. University of Florida (UF)

Top 10 public university with affordable tuition and strong STEM/business outcomes.

3. Purdue University

Engineering powerhouse offering Ivy-level outcomes without the Ivy price.

4. UNC Chapel Hill

Low in-state cost, strong programs in business, public health, sciences.

5. University of Washington (Seattle)

Tech + health sciences powerhouse with access to Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing.

6. Texas A&M

Strong engineering and business, huge alumni network, great job placement.

7. NC State University

Part of the Research Triangle; excellent in engineering, comp sci, and life sciences.

8. University of Minnesota – Twin Cities

Strong ROI in business, sciences, and engineering; major research hub.

9. UMass Amherst

Top public research university; fantastic ROI in CS, engineering, and business.

10. Brigham Young University (BYU)

One of the lowest tuition rates in the U.S. and very strong outcomes (Note: has a religious affiliation).

How Families Can Use ROI When Building a College List

Look at:

Net Price Calculator (NPC) results
Job placement & salary data
Internship/co-op opportunities
Strength in the intended major
Four-year graduation rates
Expected total debt
ROI isn’t about choosing the cheapest school. It’s about choosing the smartest investment.

Final Thoughts (and What’s Coming Next!)

A high-ROI university gives your teen the gift of:

✨ Strong career options

✨ Manageable or low debt

✨ Real opportunities after graduation

✨ Confidence in their future

And that’s a present that lasts far longer than anything under the tree. 🎁

Next week’s blog: 🎉 “The Top U.S. Colleges Where Students Graduate With the Least Debt.” Perfect if your family is comparing affordability, financial aid, and long-term financial peace of mind.

If you'd like help building a personalized, balanced college list with ROI in mind, I’d love to work with you.