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Concept:
A positive ROI for education occurs when the benefits (e.g., higher earnings, better employment prospects, career advancement) exceed the costs (tuition/fees, books, and time/opportunity costs), over the chosen horizon.
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Example:
A bachelor’s degree costs about $60,000 in tuition and foregone wages but increases lifetime earnings by about $320,000; net gain ≈ $260,000, a positive ROI.