The New ROI: Why Relationships are Higher Ed’s Most Strategic Investment

Rethinking ROI in Higher Education: A Holistic Approach to Engagement and Outcomes

In a dynamic conversation hosted by Dawn Hiles (PeopleGrove CEO), with guest speakers Mike Summers (Lafayette College), Rob Bagley (Ensign College), and Sarah Myksin (PeopleGrove), the webinar unpacked the evolving definition of ROI in higher education and how institutions can drive meaningful outcomes across the student lifecycle. Moving beyond traditional metrics like graduation and salary, the discussion centered on the strategic use of experiential learning, meaningful engagement, and alumni networks to create transformational—not transactional—impact.

The session emphasized that true ROI spans multiple audiences: prospective students, current learners, alumni, and institutions themselves. Each group defines “success” differently, and modern institutions must meet those expectations holistically to stay competitive and deliver value.

Key Takeaways

ROI Is More Than a Degree

• Old model: ROI was defined solely by the credential (degree).
• New model: Success now includes what you know (credentials), who you know (social capital), proof you know it (competency-based evidence), and how you promote it (career readiness).

Students Prioritize Outcomes

• 57% of prospective students cite “outcomes and ROI” as their #1 college choice factor.
• Institutions must demonstrate clear pathways to career and life success from day one.

Early, Inclusive Engagement = Stronger Outcomes

• Engaging students early and often—especially first-gen and underserved groups—dramatically improves discernment, experiential learning, and satisfaction.
• Engagement data can highlight gaps by class year, academic major, or identity group, allowing for smarter resource allocation.

Alumni Networks Are a Strategic Asset

• Networking remains one of the strongest predictors of career outcomes—most jobs are filled via connections, not job boards.
• Alumni are eager to help when approached meaningfully and through platforms like PeopleGrove that foster safe, mission-driven engagement.

Engagement Drives Advancement

• Institutions using engagement platforms report better alumni giving and identification of major gift prospects.
• Engaged alumni aren’t just donors—they’re mentors, advocates, and lifelong ambassadors.

Technology Enables Scale

• With limited staff and budgets, tech platforms allow institutions to scale career support, alumni outreach, and mentorship without sacrificing personalization.
• Pathways, messaging analytics, and intelligent matching enable targeted support and real-time insights.

Community Building = Revenue Cultivation

• Leadership must reframe “community engagement” as mission-critical, not a nice-to-have—directly tied to enrollment, retention, and fundraising success.
• “Give to get” strategies allow alumni to experience the joy of giving back in non-monetary ways before ever being asked for a gift.

Stand Out by Measuring and Marketing What Matters

• Successful institutions validate the alumni network with measurable outcomes—e.g., average response time to student outreach, active mentor counts.
• Shift internal narratives from “ROI = dollar sign” to “Return on Experience”—students who feel supported and connected are more likely to succeed and give back.

This webinar made it clear: modern ROI in higher ed is relational, not transactional. The institutions best positioned for the future are those that invest in scalable, personalized engagement across the full student-alumni lifecycle—demonstrating value at every step.

Want to dive deeper into how to operationalize this? Reach out to PeopleGrove or attend one of their upcoming events to continue the conversation.