College degrees deliver positive ROI within 15 years, study finds

College graduates earn more than workers without a degree within 15 years of enrollment, even after accounting for tuition costs, according to a study published May 15, 2026. The findings underscore the long-term earnings premium tied to higher education, though returns vary significantly by major, institution and upfront cost. Degrees linked to higher-paying career paths typically generate stronger lifetime returns, while programs with weaker wage outcomes or higher debt burdens can take longer to pay off. The study adds to investor and policy focus on education affordability, student debt risk and labor-market outcomes as households weigh the cost of college against expected earnings gains.