College ROI & True Cost Guide

Calculating the True Cost of Attendance

In order to come up with a realistic assessment of college costs, it is important to first calculate the true total cost of attendance. This goes far beyond the sticker price of tuition.

Families must factor in room, board, university fees, transportation, entertainment, and general living expenses such as cell phone bills and traveling home for the holidays. You must also account for inflation, as tuition and living costs generally rise each year.

Knowing how much financial aid you will receive is a critical piece of this calculation. Submit your FAFSA early, complete the CSS Profile if required, and carefully review your financial aid package to understand exactly what your out-of-pocket net cost will be.

College Majors With the Best ROI

When analyzing bachelor’s degree programs for future employability, there is a strong correlation between high starting salaries and low unemployment. Engineering disciplines—such as aerospace, software, and biomedical—have long been at the top of the list for highest-earning degrees.

However, students should never select a major based solely upon salary outcomes. Liberal arts programs build highly transferable skills and serve as excellent foundations for top-tier graduate, medical, and law schools. The key is balancing your true academic passion with practical financial planning.