ROI Isn’t Just Tuition, It’s Your Teen’s Future Career

When families discuss college, the conversation almost always begins with the cost. And that makes sense. College is expensive. However, what is often overlooked is the actual return on investment (ROI). The ROI isn’t just about tuition, room, and board—it’s about whether your teen leaves college prepared for a meaningful, sustainable career.

Let me be clear: college is not the destination. It serves as a training ground for a future career. And too often, families are so focused on "getting in" that they fail to consider what comes after college. That needs to change.

As you help your high school student build their college list, I want to shift your mindset. It's time to think beyond name brands and rankings and focus on real-world outcomes.

Majors Aren’t Permanent—But They Do Matter

Your teen may have no idea what they want to major in. That’s normal. What they choose at 17 may very well change by the time they’re 21. The key is not to lock them into a career now—it’s to help them think intentionally about their interests, strengths, and potential paths.

When students apply to college, most are required to select a major or indicate an academic interest. While that choice isn’t binding, it should be thoughtful. What does your teen enjoy? Where do they naturally shine? What problems do they want to solve?

Too often, I see students choose a major based on social media trends or vague ideas of success. Let’s be real: "influencer" is not a long-term career strategy.

College Is a Launchpad, Not a Finish Line

Parents, I need you to start asking better questions on college tours. Don’t just inquire about dorms and food. Ask:

📈 What percentage of graduates are employed in their field within 6 months? 

💼 What kinds of internships do students complete? 

💵 What are the average starting salaries by major?

Some of this data is published online. Use CollegeScorecard.com to get real numbers on graduation rates, earnings, and employment outcomes.

Schools like Drexel University and Northeastern University are worth noting. Their co-op programs integrate work experience into the academic curriculum. Students graduate with both a diploma and real-world experience. That’s ROI.

The Career Services Office Matters More Than You Think

One of the most underutilized resources on a college campus is the career services office. Yet it can be one of the most valuable.

Encourage your teen to get familiar with:

🔹 Resume and interview workshops 

🔹 Alumni networking opportunities 

🔹 Job and internship fairs 

🔹 Career counseling and assessments

A strong career center helps bridge the gap between classroom learning and life after college. It should be a key factor in your college list criteria.

Don’t Let Rankings Define ROI

Let me say this loudly: ROI is personal. It depends on your teen’s goals, abilities, and financial situation.

Just because a school is ranked in the Top 10 doesn’t mean it will provide the best ROI for your child. Some lesser-known schools also offer incredible opportunities, strong alumni networks, and genuine job readiness.

Here's what to prioritize:

📅 Internship requirements 

💼 Job placement services 

📈 Graduate employment data 

💵 Financial aid and scholarship availability 

🌍 Geographic proximity to industries of interest

Career Exploration Starts Now

Whether your child just finished 9th, 10th, or 11th grade, it’s not too early to talk about careers. In fact, it’s essential.

Start with questions like:

🔍 What subjects do you love? 

🎨 What do you enjoy creating, solving, or researching? 

🎓 What’s one class project you felt really proud of?

Help them identify patterns. Tell stories about your own career path—what you thought you’d be, what you became, and what you learned along the way. These conversations plant seeds of purpose.

The Power of Clarity and Confidence

At Strategic Admissions Advice, our College List Builder tool is a combination of experience, expertise, and an exclusive tool designed to help families make intentional choices. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all college lists. We believe in building a list around your teen’s:

💵 Financial Fit 

📍 Location Preferences 

🎓 Intended Majors 

💼 Career Interests

When you purchase College List Builder before June 30, you’ll also receive a free 30-minute session with me, Shereem Herndon-Brown. During this call, we’ll delve into your teen’s goals, transcript, and strengths to create a college list with ROI at its core.

Let’s take the guesswork out of the college process. Let’s build toward purpose, not just prestige.

🚀 Take Action Today

Ready to make smarter college choices?

📅 Order your teen's College List Builder today and claim the bonus session: CollegeListBuilder.com

Together, let’s turn college into a launchpad for a career your teen is excited about.

Shereem Herndon-Brown
THE College List Builder