1) Program & Degree Strategy (Before / Early in School)

Don't just look at the price tag, look at the Return on Investment (ROI).

• If a compliance system costs $10,000 (Cost) but prevents a $100,000 fine from a body like the SEC or OSHA (Risk), the ROI is calculated on the losses avoided, not just revenue generated.
• A $100k degree from a private school is a bad deal if the average starting salary is $60k. A $40k state school degree with an $80k starting salary is a home run. Factor in the cost of living in that city—$2,000 in rent in NYC is very different from $800 in rent in Indiana.
• In the USA, you don't just ask How much does it cost? You ask: "What is the cost of NOT doing it?" Between the IRS (taxes), the Department of Labor (workers), and the SEC/FTC (business conduct), the Return on your investment is often the peace of mind that you won't be shut down by a federal agency or sued into oblivion by a class-action law firm.

Free Resource: Calculating Your Education ROI (Tool)

2) Course Selection That Actually Matters

When you get to campus, you will see a list of hundreds of classes. Many students pick classes because they sound easy or interesting. Don’t do that. In the US job market, your transcript is a marketing tool. Every class you take should be a brick in the wall of your future career. Here is how to pick your courses like a professional.