Choosing a College for ROI and ROL

The "best" college for your student isn't the college with the highest ranking in a magazine or online poll. It's the school where the investments of time and money that you and your student make will generate the highest ROI and ROL.

Talk to your student about whether the schools on their short list find this ideal balance between tangible and intangible returns.

The Tangible Returns: Calculating ROI

The cost of higher education in Malaysia varies widely depending on whether a student attends a public or private university, and on the type of programme chosen. Public universities tend to be more affordable, while private institutions can be significantly more expensive, especially for professional degrees like medicine or law.

And that’s just tuition. Accommodation, meals, books, a laptop, transportation, and campus fees can add considerably to the overall annual expenses.

To cope with these costs, many students rely on loans, scholarships, or family savings. Education loans such as PTPTN are common, and repayments can become a long-term financial responsibility after graduation. For those pursuing advanced degrees like medicine, dentistry, or law, the total debt burden can be even greater due to the length and intensity of their studies.

Ideally, the educational and career benefits of a degree should outweigh these expenses.

Graduates in fields with higher earning potential may eventually see strong returns, but the additional years of study often delay when they can begin earning full salaries.

When researching prospective universities, it’s important to find out:

• What percentage of graduates secure employment or pursue further studies shortly after completing their degree?

• How strong is the career services department, and what support do they provide?

• Does the university offer internship placements, co-op programmes, or job fairs with reputable employers?

• How does the university connect students to its alumni network, and which industries or companies are closely tied to the school?

• Who are the lecturers and professors in your student’s chosen faculty, and what research, publications, or industry achievements are they known for?

The Intangible Returns: Maximizing ROL

Yes, even with the staggering statistics around tuition costs and student loan debt, college should still be fun. As your child takes their first steps out of your home and into adult life, they should have opportunities to explore their interests, build relationships, and broaden their understanding of the world.

Some key factors to consider include:

• Size: While big schools are exciting on gamedays, some students may have an easier time progressing academically and making connections at a smaller school.

• Diversity: Will your student have opportunities to connect with people who have different perspectives and life experiences?

•   Location: Being close to major cities can make transportation easier and give students broader cultural experiences. Going to school closer to home might also cut down on some costs while still giving your student room to learn and grow independently.

• Campus Life: College sports, intramurals, clubs, student organizations, volunteer opportunities, and fraternities and sororities will play a big role in how your student spends their time.

•   Wellness: Does the school have on-campus medical facilities, as well as counselling and other mental health resources? What's included in your student's meal plan? Are healthy eating and shopping options within walking distance?

• Safety: Where are dorms, apartments, and houses located relative to campus? Are student safety programs (including shuttles) and campus police easily accessible?

College is a major transition point in your child’s life and on your $Lifeline. You may want to work together on a pros and cons list to help your child narrow down their options.

We would also love to be a part of this important dialogue. Let’s talk about how you’ve been preparing for college and if there are any adjustments to your Life-Centered Financial Plan that could help to set up your student for success.