Your College Future: Affordability, ROI, and the Changing Landscape of Higher Ed

Money Explainers

Discover Money magazine's unique approach to ranking "Best Colleges"! Learn how affordability and ROI are reshaping college choices and what to consider in this "tumultuous time" for higher ed. #CollegeValue #StudentLoans #HigherEducation

Transcript

00:00College decisions are a big deal and Money Magazine's 2025-2026

00:05Best Colleges in America report offers a fresh perspective.

00:09Unlike traditional rankings, Money uses a 5-star scale focused entirely on affordability

00:14and return on investment, ROI. Money stresses that these aren't the only places to get great value.

00:21Notably, half of the 40 top 5-star colleges are public universities, including names like

00:26the University of Michigan and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Center College

00:32in Kentucky boasts high study abroad and undergraduate research participation, along

00:36with an 85% four-year graduation rate. A potential second Trump presidency could bring changes to

00:42research funding and federal aid. And then drilling down into details. There's no single perfect school.

00:51Your ideal choice depends on your budget, preferred location, academic interests,

00:55and desired campus culture. While cost is often the single most critical factor,

01:01remember that academic and social fit are equally vital for a successful college experience.

01:06Ultimately, success isn't just about getting into the right college,

01:10it s what you do when you agree in college that really determines if you agree going to

01:14get your money s worth out of it. Congress is also working on a significant budget bill that

01:18might impact Pell Grants and student loans, putting pressure on college budgets and potentially tuition

01:23costs. On a positive note, student loan interest rates are expected to be a slightly cheaper next

01:29year. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York stands out for career preparation,

01:35with experiential learning programs that lead to median alumni salaries exceeding six figures.

01:41They zero in on three crucial factors, what it actually costs to attend, how many students graduate,

01:47and what kind of salaries graduates earn. This five-star school accepts over 90% of applicants,

01:53with an average annual cost of less than $8,000 after financial aid. Its 69% graduation rate is

02:00impressive, especially given its student body's makeup. The California State University system itself

02:06saw nine campuses earn five-star ratings, a testament to their accessibility.

02:11This means a deliberate shift away from metrics like prestige, alumni donations,

02:16or acceptance rates. While many highly selective, well-known institutions still achieve five-star

02:22ratings, often due to their substantial financial aid budgets. Money also champions lesser-known gems

02:28that deliver exceptional value. A prime example is California State University, Stanislas.

02:35Even schools rated 4.5 stars offer compelling reasons to consider them. Students are navigating

02:42college choices during a tumultuous time for higher education. So, how should you use this information?

02:50Money advises expanding your initial list of colleges. Money Explainers

02:55Making Planets

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