Are Pricier Colleges Worth The Cost?


The debate isn't new. Is it worth paying more to attend a more expensive – but more selective and more prestigious – college? The WSJ is hosting an interesting discussion where a current high school student, recruiting manager from Deloitte, and a professor weigh in. See what you think when you read the full article here. They also have some ROI tables that are interesting to examine when considering what the return on investment will be.

From a Joyce Ivy perspective, I am keenly aware that these expensive colleges also offer some of the most generous financial aid to the students who need it. Those pricey places might end up being less expensive than other schools with a lower "sticker price" for lower- and middle-income families.

It's also a very personal outcome. Various research has shown that you get out of college what you put in, ie student motivation has a bigger impact on what you get out of college than being a more passive student who seeks to just absorb the prestigious environment. What you study in college also matters. I'd also argue for the intangibles: What the college campus and environment feels like, who you meet, what friends you make, the degree to which you are pushed and challenged – that all adds up.

My alma maters continue to have a daily impact on my life in one form or another. I'm fortunate that they were great fits for me and I had the chance to go.

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