How do I think about the ROI of a degree and choice of major?

Treat college as an investment: weigh the total cost (tuition, fees, living expenses, and the income forgone while enrolled) against the lifetime earnings and opportunities the degree opens. A degree still pays off on average – bachelor's holders out-earn high-school graduates substantially over a career – but the return varies hugely by major, school cost, and whether the student graduates. A useful guardrail is to keep total student loans at or below the graduate's expected first-year salary; borrowing $120,000 for a field that starts at $40,000 is a warning sign. Cheaper school plus practical major often beats expensive school plus uncertain field. This isn't about steering kids only toward money – it's about borrowing in proportion to realistic outcomes. Compare scenarios with wealthserene.com/tools/college-planner before committing to a high-cost option.