Degree ROI: Is Your College Degree Worth the Cost?

When you think about degree ROI, the financial return you get compared to what you spent on education. It’s not just about the diploma—it’s about whether the time, money, and effort turn into real income, faster career growth, or both. Too many people graduate with debt and no clear answer to the question: Did this actually pay off? The truth? Some degrees boost your earnings by 50% or more. Others barely move the needle after factoring in tuition, lost wages, and student loans.

MBA, a graduate business degree often pursued for leadership roles is one of the most debated. Some people see their salary jump $30,000+ after an MBA. Others spend $100,000 and end up in the same job with heavier debt. Then there’s online degree, a flexible, often cheaper path to credentials without quitting your job. These aren’t just for slackers—they’re how nurses, teachers, and IT workers in their 30s and 40s finally break into higher-paying roles. And let’s not forget coding bootcamp, a short, intense training program that teaches practical programming skills. For many, it’s a faster, cheaper alternative to a four-year computer science degree—with similar or better pay.

The real trick? It’s not about the degree itself. It’s about the field, the timing, and the cost. A degree in education might not pay back quickly, but it can lead to stable public sector jobs. A coding certificate might cost $5,000 and land you $80,000 a year. An MBA from a top school? That’s a different game—network, brand, and access matter as much as the curriculum. But if you’re paying $150,000 for a degree that only bumps your salary from $70,000 to $85,000? That’s not a win. That’s a slow drain.

What you’ll find below are real stories, real numbers, and real comparisons. From the exact PSAT scores that unlock scholarships, to how much coders actually earn in 2025, to whether an MBA after 40 makes financial sense—you’ll see what’s working for people like you. No fluff. No hype. Just what the data shows when you strip away the marketing.