How College Leaders Can Articulate Higher Education’s ROI — Beyond Earnings

Lori Varlotta, distinguished professor of higher education leadership at California Lutheran University, president emerita of Hiram College (OH) and the former president of California Lutheran University.

In 1992, Democratic strategist James Carville famously quipped “It’s the economy, stupid” as the theme to reach voters. This is now the very trope (minus the word stupid, of course) that today’s academic leaders should use to explain college’s return on investment.  For years, educators have relied on clear and convincing research to show that college degrees significantly improve adults’ employment prospects and earnings potential. But there are many personal and societal benefits a college degree imparts. Data on other areas of the college graduate’s life — their financial security, access to critical benefits and healthy behaviors — should also be used to make a broader and more compelling case for higher education’s value proposition.