How can a focus on Return on Investment (ROI) reshape our understanding of higher education's purpose? What happens when colleges are held accountable for the value they provide to students?

Today’s guest is Martin Vanderwerf, Associate Director at the Center on Education and the Workforce. With years of experience analyzing the intersection of education and labor markets, Martin has led insightful research on the ROI of colleges, shedding light on what truly benefits students post-graduation.

In this episode, we dive deep into Martin's work on ROI in education, challenging the traditional metrics of college evaluation like SAT scores and endowments. Instead, Martin emphasizes the importance of outcomes—what students gain after graduation, financially and beyond. He discusses surprising findings, like high-paying programs at lesser-known schools, and the nuanced realities of for-profit colleges.

We also explore how this data empowers students and families to make informed decisions, as well as how institutions can use these insights to improve equity and accountability. Martin’s perspectives challenge us to rethink higher education's role, not just as a career pathway, but as a space for growth, curiosity, and lifelong connections. Whether you’re a student, educator, or policymaker, this conversation offers valuable takeaways on navigating the complex landscape of modern education.