The ROI of College

As the tuition deadline passes and the weight of a new semester of academic work looms, you may be wondering what you signed up for.   With the cost of education top of mind, avoid reducing college solely to a monetary transaction.  Students come to Ohio State with many goals in mind – be it an excellent job, a great social life, or a prestigious graduate school.  Aside from a boost in earnings, there are many long term tangible and intangible benefits to completing a college degree.  

  • College is a uniquely easy time to meet new people.  Your neighbor or the person sitting next to you in a lecture could be a lifetime friend or valuable member of your future professional network.  Making friends today can build a network for your career or even the people you start a business with.
  • Classes are not solely about developing specialized vocational skills.  Use your general education credits to develop as a well-rounded professional and person.  A finance professional or engineer with excellent written and oral communication skills will have a leg up in the interview process and will be more effective in articulating their ideas and selling themselves during their career.  You never know if the next GEC you take could spark a lifetime passion in a subject. 
  • Some majors certainly lend themselves to specific careers, accounting majors tend to be become accountants, but that does not mean less vocational careers do not have value.  Those students in less career-oriented majors may have to do a little more work to get to their ultimate objectives, but still have the opportunity to have a great career. 
  • No matter your major or goals, be sure to start planning for your future while in college.  Internships are an excellent way to start building career experience regardless of your field. Make sure to checkout the Career and Internship Fair happening virtually on September 15 and 16.

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